Spiritual Resources

Spiritual Resources For Challenging Times

At some point in our lives each of us will face some kind of a challenge. And each of us knows someone else who will face a challenge as well.  Each of us will face a challenge, but each of us also has access of forms of support. In difficult times it is that much more important to reach out and the resources below might be one form of support in offering comfort and peace. We encourage you to look through this list and try out different forms of support. If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastor Stephanie at stephanie.kaperdale@gmail.com.

SCRIPTURE is a guide and comfort throughout life.  The following list offers examples of some of the words of peace and hope we find in scripture.

  • Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30

  • Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” John 14:27

  • But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3: 21-3

  • God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change. “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46: 1-2a, 10-11

  • The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.  Psalm 23:1-3a

  • The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Psalm 19:1a

  • But now thus says the Lord, Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you, Do not fear, for I am with you. Isaiah 43: 1a, 2, 4a, 5a

  • Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 8:35, 37-39

  • Jesus said, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”    Matthew 28: 20b

A BREATH PRAYER is an ancient Christian practice and it can be a bodily experience of God’s peace.  A Breath Prayer is a very simple expression that is intended to be repeated whenever and wherever you would like to pray it.   You can create your own Breath Prayer, take a few minutes to intentionally pray and breathe, and then repeat that prayer throughout your day.  What follows are two slightly different ways to craft a Breath Prayer.

Choose a name for God and one simple thing you want to say to God.
For example: God of Peace, fill me with peace.
And then pray as you breathe in and out.
Inhale:  God of Peace,
Exhale:  fill me with peace.

Or, choose a short line from scripture and then pray it as you breathe in and out.  For example:  (From Psalm 46:10)
Inhale: I will be still
Exhale: and know you are God.

(From 2 Corinthians 12:9)
Inhale: Your grace
Exhale: is enough for me.

(From Psalm 23)
Inhale: I will not be afraid
Exhale: for You are with me.

 (From Philippians 4:7)
Inhale: Peace of Christ,
Exhale: guard my heart and mind.

There are a variety of SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMS at RCHP that may be of help at this time: