The Role of Prayer in Christian Counseling (Part 1 of 2)

Part 1 of a 2-Part Prayer in Counseling Series

Prayer is a part of our daily life and many of us regularly pray in our homes, workplaces and cars, as well as in those places set aside for worship. But what is the role of prayer in Christian counseling? People use prayer as a way of connecting with someone bigger than themselves, irrespective of whether they have a relationship with God, or whether they simply claim to be spiritual. Some use prayer in order to find peace or forgiveness while others use it to help them cope with the daily demands of life. Prayer can also be a tool for people trying to deal with anger or other types of emotional challenges.

Studies have shown that two-thirds of Americans view religion as an important part of their lives. This suggests that it would be important to them to have a  therapist with similar convictions with whom they can identify. Many people seeking counseling feel that spirituality and prayer are important, and we, therefore, need to consider the role that prayer plays in Christian counseling.

Where Does Prayer Begin in the Counseling Process?

The first challenge for a Christian counselor is to develop a personal, powerful and consistent prayer life in their own daily walk. Such a prayer life, or the lack thereof, will directly impact their understanding, approach and use of prayer in counseling. Most of us are in favor of prayer, but in reality, we are not sufficiently conscious of it. I am thinking here specifically about prayer in the life and practice of the Christian counselor, rather than prayer in general. Our prayer life has personal and public dimensions, and both of these are important in Christian counseling. As private individuals, we are called to place our trust in God, and much of that comes through the reality of prayer. In times that are good, we humble ourselves and give thanks and praise for God’s blessings in our lives. In times that are hard, we seek courage by recognizing and affirming that He is faithful, caring, trustworthy and good.

As a Christian counselor, I also recognize the value of praying publically with my clients. Sometimes clients have spiritual conflicts at the root of their depression or anxiety. They may not realize that they have been individually designed by God to fulfill His purposes. Clients often have little understanding of their identity in Christ and of His invitation to place their needs boldly before Him. Some feel that they have done something too bad for God to listen to them, or that He doesn’t care about them. Still others have a limited understanding of prayer and feel unable to cast their cares onto God. Others just feel too weak to pray.

When Should We Pray During Christian Counseling?

The question for a Christian counselor is not whether one should use prayer in a counseling session, but rather what direction such prayer should take, with which clients it should be used, and under what circumstances. In helping a  client to find and build the healthy sense of self needed for the healing of their relationships, the counselor needs to be careful to not use prayer as a coercive means to control the client. Likewise, the Christian counselor must be careful that the client does not use prayer as a mask to cover deeper issues. It is, therefore, essential that the client be open and willing to take part in prayer, and not be forced into participation. Of central importance is the comfort level of the client, and the appropriateness of prayer in the specific circumstances.

As a Christian, I believe that I have a Scriptural mandate to “pray without ceasing.”  (1 Thess. 5:17) This means to be constantly in an attitude of prayer. Yet certain situations also call for specific prayers, such as the beginning or the end of a session. The following suggestions are things I find helpful  promoting this attitude of prayer throughout the counseling process:

• Pray Before the Counseling Session Begins: By regularly lifting up your clients in prayer, you become  connected to them and your heart is opened to them before the counseling session begins. Moreover, you should not overlook the power of prayer, for as  Isaiah says, “How gracious He will be when you cry for help. As soon as He hears He will answer you.” (30:19)
  
• Pray Before the Client Arrives: Counselors generally take a break between sessions that they use to jot down a note, or perhaps grab a cup of coffee. In addition to this, it can be a help to the counselor and a blessing to the client to use this time to pray before each session. This gives the counselor an opportunity to ask God to calm the hearts of all involved and to guide the coming session.
• Pray at the Beginning and End of the Counseling Session: Praying at or near the beginning of the session gives you the opportunity to invite God’s presence, wisdom, and peace into the session. A closing prayer enables you to give thanks for God’s guidance and help during the session. This can be a time where clients renew their faith and hope, forgive one another, and gain encouragement from the Lord. By praying in this way, clients gain support as they work through problems, and are sent home knowing that the Christian counselor is committed to them and cares for them. This helps to challenge their sense of loneliness or seclusion, creates a rapport, and helps to build trust in the therapeutic relationship.

Christian Counseling Can Support You in a Prayerful Way

Christian counseling combines psychological insights with Scriptural principles in order to offer help and perspective to those who struggle on life’s journey. As a Christian counselor, I prayerfully attempt to yield to God’s will in order to be used by Him to help people work through the challenges that bring them to my door. In the second part of this article, I will continue to explore the benefits and power of prayer in Christian counseling. In the meantime, if you are struggling with anything that you would like to be able to work through in a prayerful way, we are here to help.

To read more about this topic, click here:  The Role of Prayer in Christian Counseling (part 2)

Photos
“Prayer Stock” By graur razvan ionut; “Pray Computer Keys Stock Image” By Stuart Miles