Table of Contents
The Use of Prayer in Counseling
The Positive Result of prayer in counseling is advocacy to invite the Holy Spirit into the counseling section and should be utilized both at the beginning and the end of a counseling section. Prayer should be specifically used by the counselor. If the counselee does not consent to pray with the counselor, prayer should be excluded. McMinn stated, “prayer is a helpful resource in coping with various medical problems and for those experiencing high levels of physical and emotional discomfort.”[1] However, McMinn posits that “prayer is positively correlated to abstinence for alcohol treatment, but negatively related for people fearing death.”[2] Based on survey data, prayer appears to be frequently utilized in counseling based on the client’s orientation.[3]
How Prayer Works
McMinn advised, “prayer used insensitively or as a perfunctory part of treatment, can be spiritually and emotionally harmful.” [4] The Bible speaks comprehensively on the power of prayer from Genesis to Revelation. The Son of God prayed continually; intercessory prayer in counseling allows God to receive His rightful praise and glory, not to be confused with the counselor receiving God’s credit.
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed the prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail”
James 5:16
In addition, according to McMinn, prayer should not be utilized if the counselor is not competent in this area.[5]
Scripture used in integrating psychology and theology is recommended and should be required for the same reasons mentioned about prayer. However, also consideration and approval should be sought by the counselee. If the counselee does not obtain approval in a formal consent, neither prayer nor Scripture should be utilized. The Positive Results of prayer in counseling
SOCRATIC QUESTIONS?
WHAT GOD WILL YOU SERVE?
WHAT HAVE YOU DIED TO AND WHAT ARE YOU LIVING FOR?
WHEN YOU DIE WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY ?
[1] M. R. McMinn, M. R., Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling (Rev. ed.). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, 2001, 1324.
[2] ibid., 1331.
[3] ibid., 1338.
[4] ibid., 1585.
[5] ibid., 1878.
End of “The Positive Results of prayer in counseling“
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