Application Paper
Prayer is an essential part of the relationship that exists between an individual and God. Throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament prayer is used for thanksgiving, blessings, requests, petitions, praise, and glory. Prayer is such an integral part of religion that Jesus felt compelled to teach His disciples the proper way to pray. Furthermore, Jesus pointed out those who were either praying wrong or for the wrong reasons. So, while prayer is important to sustain and build relations with God it can be performed incorrectly. This is especially important to remember as we; counselors that is, seek to bring prayer to the forefront of the counseling session.
According to McMinn (2011), “Compared to those who do …show more content…
For certain, the use of covert prayer prior to, during, or immediately after a counseling session should never pose a problem. Covert prayer is something I see myself doing at all times in regards to my practice of counseling. It is the overt act of prayer that will be a main cause of concern for all parties involved. McMinn (2011) asserts, “For prayer to be an active agent for change in a client’s life, it must become part of a disciplined spiritual life outside the counseling office” (p. …show more content…
Each client is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NASB) which means the choice to use Scripture with clients will be discretionary but not perfunctory or cursory. Just as each client is different than the next so will the concerns, issues, worries, and troubles they bring with them. Scripture may not work with every client. As a matter of fact, it could do harm if the client feels judged or falsely accused or makes them feel even more unworthy than they already do. McMinn (2011) states, “The best counselors use Scripture only after carefully considering the psychological implications and the effect on the therapeutic relationship” (p. 116). Sure, I may know the healing and inspiring effects Scripture has on me, but what will it do to my client? Will the use of Scripture be for their benefit or mine? Can Scripture be espoused so that I hide behind the authoritative Word of God or so that I do not have to face a difficult emotional concern of my client’s? These questions along with many more must be taken into consideration before using Scripture as an adjunct in counseling.
I believe all in all using Scripture during counseling sessions can prove to be very beneficial if used for the right reasons at the right times. “Christian counseling, rooted in
Prayer is an essential part of the relationship that exists between an individual and God. Throughout the Old Testament and the New Testament prayer is used for thanksgiving, blessings, requests, petitions, praise, and glory. Prayer is such an integral part of religion that Jesus felt compelled to teach His disciples the proper way to pray. Furthermore, Jesus pointed out those who were either praying wrong or for the wrong reasons. So, while prayer is important to sustain and build relations with God it can be performed incorrectly. This is especially important to remember as we; counselors that is, seek to bring prayer to the forefront of the counseling session.
According to McMinn (2011), “Compared to those who do …show more content…
For certain, the use of covert prayer prior to, during, or immediately after a counseling session should never pose a problem. Covert prayer is something I see myself doing at all times in regards to my practice of counseling. It is the overt act of prayer that will be a main cause of concern for all parties involved. McMinn (2011) asserts, “For prayer to be an active agent for change in a client’s life, it must become part of a disciplined spiritual life outside the counseling office” (p. …show more content…
Each client is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14, NASB) which means the choice to use Scripture with clients will be discretionary but not perfunctory or cursory. Just as each client is different than the next so will the concerns, issues, worries, and troubles they bring with them. Scripture may not work with every client. As a matter of fact, it could do harm if the client feels judged or falsely accused or makes them feel even more unworthy than they already do. McMinn (2011) states, “The best counselors use Scripture only after carefully considering the psychological implications and the effect on the therapeutic relationship” (p. 116). Sure, I may know the healing and inspiring effects Scripture has on me, but what will it do to my client? Will the use of Scripture be for their benefit or mine? Can Scripture be espoused so that I hide behind the authoritative Word of God or so that I do not have to face a difficult emotional concern of my client’s? These questions along with many more must be taken into consideration before using Scripture as an adjunct in counseling.
I believe all in all using Scripture during counseling sessions can prove to be very beneficial if used for the right reasons at the right times. “Christian counseling, rooted in