Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Shame

The Word of God invites us to go deeper. "Put out into the deep." Lk 5:4  Lent is a good time to reflect and ask the Lord to do a mighty work within us. Here is how I was instructed to put out into the deep while on retreat a few years ago.

When we talk about being afraid of what others may think, we can go before our Lord and ask that we be without shame before God and man. Satan doesn't want the child of God within exposed.

In the early church they were faithful. They exposed themselves and mighty things happened.

Some things we can do to overcome shame:
  •  Ask for the Holy Spirit to overshadow us and lead us in prayer
  •  Ask the intercession of St. Michael the Archangel
  •  Ask the blood of Jesus to cover us
  •  Ask for Blessed Mother's intercession
If there's any area of our life that needs to be addressed and brought into the light we can ask Him to show it to us now. Anything. We can let Him know we want to receive the fullness of light and truth.
  • Say, "Do it Lord. Let it be done according to your Word."
  • Say, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."
Go deeper. Ask more questions. Consciously give Him permission to help you see your life clearly from the moment of conception to the present time.

Ask that you see it clearly, specifically in dreams.
Say, "I give you permission."
Ask what He wants you to look at.

If you have certain emotions name them,
for ex. fear, discouragement, uncertainty.
Say, "I can't put my finger on it. Show me, Lord.
Tell me more about why I feel this way."

Say, "Dear Jesus, help me to be like a child so I can simply see what you are speaking to me and showing me."

Ask, "What is preventing me from bearing new life or bringing new life?"
Ask Him to bring power into every area of your life.

Ask, "Is there any pain I have not expressed, suppressed or repressed in my childhood? 

Ask, "Do I still harbor any feelings of shame where I felt shame? And ask Him to bring healing to it.

May the Lord bless and keep you and give you His peace.
Sheila

2 comments:

  1. Thank you, Sheila! This post was so good that I printed it out so I could have it on hand to go over more thoroughly!

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  2. Good to hear from you again, Mary! I am delighted you found this valuable. I still do too! Let me know what fruit it bears in your life. I would like to stay in closer touch with you.
    Thank you for sharing. If I can reach one person I am happy.

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