Christian Counseling-When to Pray - Spiritual Transformation

Cautions or possible negative impacts regarding the use of prayer in counseling?

A number of risks exist when using prayer in counseling. First, regarding intercessory prayer for the needs of a counselee, it is possible that the client will assume that prayer is the counselor’s responsibility and ignore his or her responsibility to pray (McMinn, 1996). Second, contemplative prayer that focuses on meditation and worship risks straying into heresy if the theological foundation of the client wanes (McMinn, 1996). Third, regarding a healthy sense of self, prayer may cause the counselee to feel inferior or self-conscious (“Prayer,” n.d.). Fourth, in light of a healthy sense of need, prayer can deteriorate into hoping for magical results, and a counselor may inappropriately use prayer to motivate the client or help the counselee feel better rather than connect with God (“Prayer,” n.d.). Fifth, regarding the importance of a healthy healing relationship, prayer may risk an improper dependency on the counselor and a potential breach of boundaries if the focus strays from God (“Prayer,” n.d.). Finally, McMinn (1996) also enumerates a number of additional risks including praying for social effect, which Jesus condemns, praying ritualistically, which risks meaninglessness, and praying as a defense mechanism, which may cause counselees to avoid relevant personal issues. Personally, it appears other risks of prayer may include its potential misuse as an extension of coveting and a reason to turn against God when an answer contradicts the client’s wishes.

References

McMinn, M. R. (1996). Psychology, theology, and spirituality in Christian counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House.

Prayer for psychological and spiritual health [Video presentation]. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://bb7.liberty.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-17127441-dt-content-rid 100343758_1/courses/PACO506_

B01_201240/Course%20Content/Week%206_%20%20Prayer%2C%20Scripture%2C%20and%20the%

20Holy%20Spirit%20in%20Counseling/Learning%20Resources/Prayer%20for%20Psychological%20

and%20Spiritual%20Health/506M6P2/index.html

Wilder - Christian Counseling-When to Pray

Derek Wilder Executive Director

DEREK WILDER, PhD, is the Executive Director of Lives Transforming Group, Inc., a Christian counseling ministry focused on personal transformation, and the author of FREEDOM and Minds on Fire. Wilder has a Master of Theological Studies, an MDiv in Pastoral Counseling, and a PhD in Biblical Exposition. Wilder's scholarly focus lies in Pauline studies, with his doctoral dissertation specifically examining the ontological implications present in the eighth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. Wilder, an adjunct professor, founded Convergence Therapy, integrating cognitive therapy and grace-based theology into the accredited college course: “Thought Life & Spirit Growth.”

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