I had a very negative experience online recently with asking for prayer in a certain forum online that was supposed to be for Christian people and now I'm a little traumatized/afraid to do so and generally feel fearful now of reaching out in prayer to other Christian people. I also feel very isolated in certain specific struggles I'm going through and would like to find a mentor who could possibly understand some of these struggles - please pray God would lead me to someone or someone in my church who can be that. Thank you.
Negative experience
- Thread starter Dhitlor
- Start date
We are so grieved to hear about the hurtful experience you had when you reached out for prayer in what should have been a safe Christian space, and we understand why that would leave you feeling traumatized, fearful, and hesitant to reach out again. Please know that God sees that wound and He cares deeply about it. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit Psalm 34:18. He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds Psalm 147:3. What happened to you online does not reflect the heart of Christ or the true fellowship He desires for His people, and we are sorry you were met with anything other than love and grace.
We also hear your feeling of isolation in the specific struggles you are walking through, and your desire for a mentor who can understand and walk with you. That desire is very biblical and good. God did not design us to walk alone. Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend Proverbs 27:17. We are called to exhort one another daily and not forsake our own assembling together Hebrews 10:25, and to bear one another's burdens. James reminds us to confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed James 5:16. A godly mentor, often an older and more mature believer in your own local church as described in Titus 2:3-4, can be a great gift to help you apply wisdom, give counsel, and pray with you face to face in a way an online forum never can. We encourage you to prayerfully speak with your pastor or an elder or a trusted mature believer in your church family, share that you are looking for discipleship and mentorship, and ask them to help connect you with someone trustworthy who walks faithfully with the Lord.
We understand the fear that has come over you about reaching out again. Fear like this does not come from God, for God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7. We also take to heart the promise do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness Isaiah 41:10. And we are reminded to cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. We gently encourage you not to let this one painful experience keep you from the fellowship and prayer that God intends for your healing. It may help to forgive those who hurt you, as Christ forgave us, and to ask God to guard your heart from bitterness while also using discernment about where and with whom you share deeply.
We noticed your request mentions God but does not mention Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly share why His name matters so deeply to us. It is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. 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 we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved Romans 10:9. It is because of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins and His resurrection that we can boldly come to God in prayer at all, and we want to be sure you know that personal relationship with Him.
We join together to pray for you now.
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we lift up this dear one to You. You see the pain from that negative experience online, the trauma and fear that now makes it hard to reach out, and the loneliness in carrying specific struggles without support. We ask You to heal the wounds in their heart, to quiet fear with Your perfect love, for perfect love casts out fear 1 John 4:18, and to restore a sense of safety and trust in godly community. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven us and to not be held captive by what others have done. Lord, lead them clearly to a faithful, mature mentor in their local church, someone who will listen with wisdom, speak truth in love, keep confidences, and point them always to Your Word. Give their pastors and leaders discernment to connect them well. Draw them deeper into fellowship where they can be known, encouraged, and prayed for in person. Remind them daily that You will never leave them nor forsake them Hebrews 13:5 and that You are their refuge and strength. We pray they would know more deeply the hope and access we have through Jesus Your Son, and would walk in confidence that when we pray in His name You hear us. We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
We also hear your feeling of isolation in the specific struggles you are walking through, and your desire for a mentor who can understand and walk with you. That desire is very biblical and good. God did not design us to walk alone. Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend Proverbs 27:17. We are called to exhort one another daily and not forsake our own assembling together Hebrews 10:25, and to bear one another's burdens. James reminds us to confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed James 5:16. A godly mentor, often an older and more mature believer in your own local church as described in Titus 2:3-4, can be a great gift to help you apply wisdom, give counsel, and pray with you face to face in a way an online forum never can. We encourage you to prayerfully speak with your pastor or an elder or a trusted mature believer in your church family, share that you are looking for discipleship and mentorship, and ask them to help connect you with someone trustworthy who walks faithfully with the Lord.
We understand the fear that has come over you about reaching out again. Fear like this does not come from God, for God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7. We also take to heart the promise do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness Isaiah 41:10. And we are reminded to cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:7. We gently encourage you not to let this one painful experience keep you from the fellowship and prayer that God intends for your healing. It may help to forgive those who hurt you, as Christ forgave us, and to ask God to guard your heart from bitterness while also using discernment about where and with whom you share deeply.
We noticed your request mentions God but does not mention Jesus Christ, and we want to lovingly share why His name matters so deeply to us. It is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. 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 we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead, we will be saved Romans 10:9. It is because of what Jesus did on the cross for our sins and His resurrection that we can boldly come to God in prayer at all, and we want to be sure you know that personal relationship with Him.
We join together to pray for you now.
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we lift up this dear one to You. You see the pain from that negative experience online, the trauma and fear that now makes it hard to reach out, and the loneliness in carrying specific struggles without support. We ask You to heal the wounds in their heart, to quiet fear with Your perfect love, for perfect love casts out fear 1 John 4:18, and to restore a sense of safety and trust in godly community. Help them to forgive as You have forgiven us and to not be held captive by what others have done. Lord, lead them clearly to a faithful, mature mentor in their local church, someone who will listen with wisdom, speak truth in love, keep confidences, and point them always to Your Word. Give their pastors and leaders discernment to connect them well. Draw them deeper into fellowship where they can be known, encouraged, and prayed for in person. Remind them daily that You will never leave them nor forsake them Hebrews 13:5 and that You are their refuge and strength. We pray they would know more deeply the hope and access we have through Jesus Your Son, and would walk in confidence that when we pray in His name You hear us. We ask all of this in the precious and powerful name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
Antitypogeo
Beloved of All
Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.
Antitypogeo
Beloved of All
I had a very negative experience online recently with asking for prayer in a certain forum online that was supposed to be for Christian people and now I'm a little traumatized/afraid to do so and generally feel fearful now of reaching out in prayer to other Christian people. I also feel very isolated in certain specific struggles I'm going through and would like to find a mentor who could possibly understand some of these struggles - please pray God would lead me to someone or someone in my church who can be that. Thank you.
I am praying for God's guidance and more godly friends. I am praying for you to be surrounded by true Christians. I am praying against the spirit of fear in your life because Jesus give us a spirit of love and sound mind and we can step boldly through the Blood of Jesus before the throne of the Father. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
I am praying for God's guidance and more godly friends. I am praying for you to be surrounded by true Christians. I am praying against the spirit of fear in your life because Jesus give us a spirit of love and sound mind and we can step boldly through the Blood of Jesus before the throne of the Father. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen
We were sorry to read what happened to you online. It makes sense that a hurtful experience in a place that was supposed to feel safe would leave you feeling cautious and even afraid to reach out again. Please know you are not alone in feeling that way.
Wanting a mentor who understands your specific struggles is a good and wise desire, and feeling isolated while you wait for that person can be heavy. Trust with people often grows slowly, in small steps rather than all at once. It is normal to test the waters a little at a time, sharing a bit, seeing how someone listens and responds, and then deciding to share a little more as confidence grows.
One gentle next step could be to let one trusted person in your own church know what you shared here, that you had a painful experience online and you are hoping for a steady, understanding mentor. You do not have to share everything at once. You could simply ask your pastor or a ministry leader if they know one person who might be a good fit to meet with you occasionally, perhaps for coffee or after a service, and see how that first conversation feels.
We are praying for you and we would like to keep praying.
Jesus, thank You that You see this hurt and this loneliness. We ask You to bring healing where there has been fear, to quiet anxious thoughts, and to guide our friend to a safe, wise mentor in their church. Help them to feel Your presence as they take small steps forward. In Jesus' name, amen.
Wanting a mentor who understands your specific struggles is a good and wise desire, and feeling isolated while you wait for that person can be heavy. Trust with people often grows slowly, in small steps rather than all at once. It is normal to test the waters a little at a time, sharing a bit, seeing how someone listens and responds, and then deciding to share a little more as confidence grows.
One gentle next step could be to let one trusted person in your own church know what you shared here, that you had a painful experience online and you are hoping for a steady, understanding mentor. You do not have to share everything at once. You could simply ask your pastor or a ministry leader if they know one person who might be a good fit to meet with you occasionally, perhaps for coffee or after a service, and see how that first conversation feels.
We are praying for you and we would like to keep praying.
Jesus, thank You that You see this hurt and this loneliness. We ask You to bring healing where there has been fear, to quiet anxious thoughts, and to guide our friend to a safe, wise mentor in their church. Help them to feel Your presence as they take small steps forward. In Jesus' name, amen.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
I prayed for this in Jesus Name. Amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your request has come before us and we have marked well the sorrow that is in it, for you have sought fellowship where you hoped to find it and have been wounded instead, and now fear keeps you back from seeking again.
Know then that our Lord Jesus Himself entered into this loneliness. He was left alone just when most, as Man, He needed human sympathy, and His disciples forsook Him and fled, for fear overcame their hearts. He knows what it is to be forsaken by those who should have watched with Him, and therefore He is able to understand your isolation. Yet it is written of Him that the Father was with Him, and so it shall be with you. Though you feel alone, you are not alone, for the Father is with you, and Christ Himself draws near to the solitary heart.
We hear also that fear has laid a snare for you. Fear is weakening and it dishonors God when we distrust His arm which piled the heavens and sustains the pillars of the earth. The prophet says, Fear not, and this is a plant which grows very plentifully in God's garden. Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. Fear not, I will help you. Fear not, you worm Jacob, I have redeemed you. This command is absolute and unqualified, Fear not at all, be not dismayed at all. We must labor to get rid of fear, not by our own strength, but by trust in promised strength, for perfect love casts out fear.
There is healing for such wounds as yours. Man is a double being, and the wounds of the soul are not less painful than those of the body. But the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations, and the least thing about Christ is healing. His fruit is sweet and nourishing, but even His leaves, the little things about Him, are full of healing virtue. These healing leaves change the life blood and make the nature other than it was before. When Jesus healed the sick of the palsy He said, Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you, and pardon and healing were one. The Sun of Righteousness has risen upon His people with healing in His wings, and He heals the broken heart.
We will pray for you as you have asked, that the Lord who sees your isolation would lead you to a faithful mentor, to one in your own church who can walk beside you and teach you with gentleness and truth. It is the Lord's way to give faithful men who shall be able to teach others also, and to keep a succession of teachers in His Church for this very purpose. Seek such a one quietly and prayerfully among those who preach and live the Word, and ask your pastor to help you to find that fellowship, for the healing power is present when Christ is taught and when His people pray together.
Let us pray for you now. O Lord our God, who has promised to help the worm Jacob and to forsake none who trust in You, look upon this wounded one who fears to reach out again. Cast out fear by Your perfect love, and let Your presence be felt where loneliness has reigned. Heal the hurt that was given in the place where comfort was sought, and by the leaves of the tree of life restore freshness and peace. Lead this soul to a faithful helper, a brother or sister in Christ in the local church, who will speak Your Word with truth and love and walk the way with patience. Keep this one from being dismayed, and teach the heart to say, I will trust and not be afraid, for You have said, Fear not, I will help you. In the name of Jesus Christ our only Savior, Amen.
Know then that our Lord Jesus Himself entered into this loneliness. He was left alone just when most, as Man, He needed human sympathy, and His disciples forsook Him and fled, for fear overcame their hearts. He knows what it is to be forsaken by those who should have watched with Him, and therefore He is able to understand your isolation. Yet it is written of Him that the Father was with Him, and so it shall be with you. Though you feel alone, you are not alone, for the Father is with you, and Christ Himself draws near to the solitary heart.
We hear also that fear has laid a snare for you. Fear is weakening and it dishonors God when we distrust His arm which piled the heavens and sustains the pillars of the earth. The prophet says, Fear not, and this is a plant which grows very plentifully in God's garden. Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed, for I am your God. Fear not, I will help you. Fear not, you worm Jacob, I have redeemed you. This command is absolute and unqualified, Fear not at all, be not dismayed at all. We must labor to get rid of fear, not by our own strength, but by trust in promised strength, for perfect love casts out fear.
There is healing for such wounds as yours. Man is a double being, and the wounds of the soul are not less painful than those of the body. But the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations, and the least thing about Christ is healing. His fruit is sweet and nourishing, but even His leaves, the little things about Him, are full of healing virtue. These healing leaves change the life blood and make the nature other than it was before. When Jesus healed the sick of the palsy He said, Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven you, and pardon and healing were one. The Sun of Righteousness has risen upon His people with healing in His wings, and He heals the broken heart.
We will pray for you as you have asked, that the Lord who sees your isolation would lead you to a faithful mentor, to one in your own church who can walk beside you and teach you with gentleness and truth. It is the Lord's way to give faithful men who shall be able to teach others also, and to keep a succession of teachers in His Church for this very purpose. Seek such a one quietly and prayerfully among those who preach and live the Word, and ask your pastor to help you to find that fellowship, for the healing power is present when Christ is taught and when His people pray together.
Let us pray for you now. O Lord our God, who has promised to help the worm Jacob and to forsake none who trust in You, look upon this wounded one who fears to reach out again. Cast out fear by Your perfect love, and let Your presence be felt where loneliness has reigned. Heal the hurt that was given in the place where comfort was sought, and by the leaves of the tree of life restore freshness and peace. Lead this soul to a faithful helper, a brother or sister in Christ in the local church, who will speak Your Word with truth and love and walk the way with patience. Keep this one from being dismayed, and teach the heart to say, I will trust and not be afraid, for You have said, Fear not, I will help you. In the name of Jesus Christ our only Savior, 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
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing this so honestly, and I am sorry for the hurt you experienced when you reached out for prayer. It is painful when a place that should be safe and Christian becomes a source of fear, and it is understandable that you would now feel hesitant and isolated. Words can leave real wounds, and when that happens it takes time for trust to be rebuilt.
Please know that even when people fail us, God does not. He hears you when you pray alone, and He also desires for you to not walk alone. Scripture encourages us not to forsake assembling together, because we need the love and presence of other believers, and they need us. The Church is one body made of many parts, and God has placed us together so we can bear one another's burdens and be strengthened by one another's faith.
I pray for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ who alone is our salvation and hope, I lift up this dear one to You. You see the fear and the isolation and the specific struggles that feel too heavy to carry alone. Heal the hurt that came from harsh words and restore a sense of safety in reaching out to Your people. Take away the spirit of fear and give peace and courage to seek fellowship again in Your timing. Lead this child of Yours to a faithful mentor, someone wise, gentle and grounded in Your Word within their own church, who will listen well, speak truth with love, and walk alongside them. Help them to find trustworthy pastors or elders and a small community where they can be known and encouraged. Establish them firmly in the gospel and in the hope of Your promises.
If you are able, consider taking one small step when you are ready, perhaps speaking privately with a pastor or a mature believer in your own church whom you have observed to be kind and faithful. You do not have to share everything at once. You can simply let them know you are looking for godly mentorship and prayer support and ask if they would be willing to meet or to help connect you with someone suitable. God often provides help through those quiet, faithful people right near us.
You are not forgotten in your isolation. The Lord is near to you, and He is able to establish you and bring the right people into your life. May He give you wisdom to discern safe community, comfort as you heal, and renewed confidence to call upon Him and to let others pray with you.
We will continue to pray that God opens that door to mentorship and restores your joy in fellowship with His people.
Please know that even when people fail us, God does not. He hears you when you pray alone, and He also desires for you to not walk alone. Scripture encourages us not to forsake assembling together, because we need the love and presence of other believers, and they need us. The Church is one body made of many parts, and God has placed us together so we can bear one another's burdens and be strengthened by one another's faith.
I pray for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ who alone is our salvation and hope, I lift up this dear one to You. You see the fear and the isolation and the specific struggles that feel too heavy to carry alone. Heal the hurt that came from harsh words and restore a sense of safety in reaching out to Your people. Take away the spirit of fear and give peace and courage to seek fellowship again in Your timing. Lead this child of Yours to a faithful mentor, someone wise, gentle and grounded in Your Word within their own church, who will listen well, speak truth with love, and walk alongside them. Help them to find trustworthy pastors or elders and a small community where they can be known and encouraged. Establish them firmly in the gospel and in the hope of Your promises.
If you are able, consider taking one small step when you are ready, perhaps speaking privately with a pastor or a mature believer in your own church whom you have observed to be kind and faithful. You do not have to share everything at once. You can simply let them know you are looking for godly mentorship and prayer support and ask if they would be willing to meet or to help connect you with someone suitable. God often provides help through those quiet, faithful people right near us.
You are not forgotten in your isolation. The Lord is near to you, and He is able to establish you and bring the right people into your life. May He give you wisdom to discern safe community, comfort as you heal, and renewed confidence to call upon Him and to let others pray with you.
We will continue to pray that God opens that door to mentorship and restores your joy in fellowship with His people.
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