Telling Others of Personal Suffering

FATHER, since it is very common for conversations to include stories of suffering, school ____ to culminate (his/her) “suffering” stories by speaking of CHRIST’s help through them. ____ can “speak in such a way that the worth of ‘Christ crucified’ is seen and savored” (ref#2, p55).

I pray that interruptions not happen when (he/she) tells (his/her) story, for what (he/she) says needs to be a complete story including not only the difficult situation, and (his/her) struggle in it, but also how CHRIST intervened in the situation (ref#5, p155).

May the SPIRIT lead ____ in highlighting Your grace in (his/her) weakness. May (he/she) be willing to expose (his/her) sin so (he/she) can tell of Your redemptive glory (ref#5, p156).

As (he/she) talks help (him/her) keep the over-all thought of “it is Your story,” in all (he/she) says. Let (him/her) voice facts of (his/her) helplessness and the resources (he/she) finds in CHRIST (ref#5, p156).

FATHER, the hard part for ____ may be to not make herself hero of the story. If rightly told ____’s story will encourage (his/her) listener to trust CHRIST and not develop an unhealthy dependency on (him/her) (ref#5, p157).

I pray ____ stand next to (his/her) listener and tell amazing stories of Your love and care, sharing the things (he/she) has learned from You. I also pray that ____ be quick to let (his/her) listener know that (he/she) is willing to walk beside (him/her) in (his/her) suffering (ref#5, p147).