Counseling
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We hear your heart in this request and we join with you in seeking God's will together in Jesus' name. We commend your humility and wisdom in wanting to seek godly counsel rather than carrying this burden alone, for that desire itself is from the Lord. Scripture tells us Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory. Proverbs 11:14 and again Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22. God has placed elders and pastors as shepherds to watch over souls and to give account, and He calls us to come to them with humility and trust. Hebrews 13:17.
We encourage you to approach your elders and pastor with prayer beforehand, asking the Lord for wisdom and for the right words. James 1:5 reminds us But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. It can help to ask for a specific time to meet rather than catching them briefly after a service, to share honestly and concisely what you are seeking counsel for, and to come with an open heart to receive biblical instruction. Do not be anxious about how to phrase it perfectly, for God honors a sincere heart. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Your willingness to confess your need and ask for help is part of walking in the light, and James 5:16 says Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
We noticed your request asked for God to open doors but did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to call upon His name, for whoever confesses with the mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in the heart that God raised Him from the dead will be saved. Romans 10:9. It is in His name that our prayers are heard.
We pray together for you now. Father, we lift this dear one to You in the name of Jesus Christ. You see the burden on their heart and the desire to seek wise, biblical counsel. We ask that You would give them courage and peace as they approach their elders and pastor, and that You would prepare the hearts of those leaders to receive them with grace, wisdom, and discernment. Open the doors that no one can shut, as You have promised, and make a clear way for this counseling to take place in Your perfect timing. Colossians 4:3. Grant wisdom to both the one seeking counsel and those giving it, that all counsel would be grounded in Your Word and lead toward healing, truth, and growth in Christ. We ask that You would guard their heart from fear or shame and remind them that You are near to all who call upon You in truth. We pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Mediator and Savior, amen.
We encourage you to take that step of faith soon, trusting that the Lord will honor your obedience. Keep praying and keep seeking, and the Lord who is faithful will provide the counsel and shepherding you need.
We encourage you to approach your elders and pastor with prayer beforehand, asking the Lord for wisdom and for the right words. James 1:5 reminds us But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. It can help to ask for a specific time to meet rather than catching them briefly after a service, to share honestly and concisely what you are seeking counsel for, and to come with an open heart to receive biblical instruction. Do not be anxious about how to phrase it perfectly, for God honors a sincere heart. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Your willingness to confess your need and ask for help is part of walking in the light, and James 5:16 says Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
We noticed your request asked for God to open doors but did not mention the name of Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6 and There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your trust in Jesus Christ, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and to call upon His name, for whoever confesses with the mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in the heart that God raised Him from the dead will be saved. Romans 10:9. It is in His name that our prayers are heard.
We pray together for you now. Father, we lift this dear one to You in the name of Jesus Christ. You see the burden on their heart and the desire to seek wise, biblical counsel. We ask that You would give them courage and peace as they approach their elders and pastor, and that You would prepare the hearts of those leaders to receive them with grace, wisdom, and discernment. Open the doors that no one can shut, as You have promised, and make a clear way for this counseling to take place in Your perfect timing. Colossians 4:3. Grant wisdom to both the one seeking counsel and those giving it, that all counsel would be grounded in Your Word and lead toward healing, truth, and growth in Christ. We ask that You would guard their heart from fear or shame and remind them that You are near to all who call upon You in truth. We pray all these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Mediator and Savior, amen.
We encourage you to take that step of faith soon, trusting that the Lord will honor your obedience. Keep praying and keep seeking, and the Lord who is faithful will provide the counsel and shepherding you need.
We appreciate you letting us know about this. Wanting counseling and wanting to honor your elders in how you seek it shows real maturity and care for your church family.
We understand it can feel awkward to bring up. Pastors and elders are used to these conversations and often see them as part of shepherding, not a burden. Most pastoral counseling is meant to be brief and focused, usually a handful of sessions to clarify the need, offer biblical perspective, and help decide if ongoing pastoral care or a referral would be most helpful.
A simple way to open the door is to ask for a short, private time rather than trying to explain everything at once. You could send a brief note or ask in person: say you value their wisdom, you would like counseling for a personal matter, and you would like their guidance on next steps and what counseling looks like at your church. Writing down a sentence or two beforehand about what you hope to get help with can keep it clear and calm.
We are praying God gives you favor and clear next steps.
Father, we ask You to open a good time and willing hearts for this conversation, give our friend courage and words, and give the elders wisdom and grace as they listen. Guide him to the help he needs and draw him closer to You through it. In Jesus name, amen.
We understand it can feel awkward to bring up. Pastors and elders are used to these conversations and often see them as part of shepherding, not a burden. Most pastoral counseling is meant to be brief and focused, usually a handful of sessions to clarify the need, offer biblical perspective, and help decide if ongoing pastoral care or a referral would be most helpful.
A simple way to open the door is to ask for a short, private time rather than trying to explain everything at once. You could send a brief note or ask in person: say you value their wisdom, you would like counseling for a personal matter, and you would like their guidance on next steps and what counseling looks like at your church. Writing down a sentence or two beforehand about what you hope to get help with can keep it clear and calm.
We are praying God gives you favor and clear next steps.
Father, we ask You to open a good time and willing hearts for this conversation, give our friend courage and words, and give the elders wisdom and grace as they listen. Guide him to the help he needs and draw him closer to You through it. In Jesus name, amen.
Blessed and Thankful
Servant of All
Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your desire to seek godly counsel is itself a mark of grace at work, and it is wise and humble to wish to do so in the right way. A Church is not a complete Church without a pastor, its elders and its deacons, and the Lord has set such men in His house precisely that they might watch for souls and guide them with His counsel. They are chosen because they have had spiritual experience and are well taught in the things of the kingdom of Heaven, and they sit as it were round about the throne to help and to shepherd those who trust in Christ.
It is good that you would not lean upon your own understanding but would be guided. Naturally we do not like being guided, but when grace has touched the heart we feel our need of it. The Psalmist found his comfort in this, Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. That guidance comes as we bow with submission to the will of God, and as we avoid haste, for haste is the author of a great deal of mischief in human life. Seek the Lord honestly and early in this matter, for they that seek Him early shall find Him, and when a man seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other needful things shall be added unto him.
Therefore I would counsel you to go simply and plainly to those whom God has placed over you. Make your request known without any sinister or selfish motive, but as one who would truly seek the Lord and not merely seek self. You need not fear to knock at their door. As in a pastoral visit, they are to sit down and ask after your soul, and it is their joy to do so. Choose a quiet season, ask for a brief time to speak, tell them plainly that you desire counseling and would value their wisdom and prayer, and leave the timing and the door in the Lord's hands.
Let us pray together for you. O Lord our God, who makest the seven stars and turnest the shadow of death into the morning, we ask that Thou wouldst open a door for this seeking soul to receive wise and faithful counsel. Give to Thy servants, the elders and pastor of this flock, hearts to hear and lips to speak Thy truth, and give to this Thy child humility to receive it, faith to trust Christ alone for salvation, and grace to follow where Thou dost lead. Guide with Thy counsel here, and afterward receive to glory, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Be encouraged to continue seeking the Lord while you wait, trusting not in your own seeking but in Christ Himself, who is near to all who call upon Him in truth.
It is good that you would not lean upon your own understanding but would be guided. Naturally we do not like being guided, but when grace has touched the heart we feel our need of it. The Psalmist found his comfort in this, Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. That guidance comes as we bow with submission to the will of God, and as we avoid haste, for haste is the author of a great deal of mischief in human life. Seek the Lord honestly and early in this matter, for they that seek Him early shall find Him, and when a man seeks first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, all other needful things shall be added unto him.
Therefore I would counsel you to go simply and plainly to those whom God has placed over you. Make your request known without any sinister or selfish motive, but as one who would truly seek the Lord and not merely seek self. You need not fear to knock at their door. As in a pastoral visit, they are to sit down and ask after your soul, and it is their joy to do so. Choose a quiet season, ask for a brief time to speak, tell them plainly that you desire counseling and would value their wisdom and prayer, and leave the timing and the door in the Lord's hands.
Let us pray together for you. O Lord our God, who makest the seven stars and turnest the shadow of death into the morning, we ask that Thou wouldst open a door for this seeking soul to receive wise and faithful counsel. Give to Thy servants, the elders and pastor of this flock, hearts to hear and lips to speak Thy truth, and give to this Thy child humility to receive it, faith to trust Christ alone for salvation, and grace to follow where Thou dost lead. Guide with Thy counsel here, and afterward receive to glory, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Be encouraged to continue seeking the Lord while you wait, trusting not in your own seeking but in Christ Himself, who is near to all who call upon Him in truth.
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