Pain Relief Meditative Prayer ACTION STEPS
So how does all this work in daily life? Here is a practical example of a pain relief prayer meditation that includes acceptance, distraction, and gratitude. You may not be able to do every component, depending on your underlying health issues, so please adapt as needed.
STEP ONE: Opening
Start by making the sign of the cross. Sit in the most comfortable way you can, perhaps with feet on the ground and hands in prayer position. Take a deep breath in for a count of six. Hold it for a count of two, breathe out for a count of six, then hold for a count of two. As you focus on your breath, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with his presence. Repeat the cycle two or three more times or until you begin to feel able to concentrate on the prayer.
STEP TWO: Acceptance
Pray these words: Dear Lord, help me accept your will and trust that you want only the best for me. Help me remember you can bring good out of anything. Let me believe that your purpose is good. Look around the room for three things that are white. White is the color of the Resurrection. Remind yourself that Jesus has already defeated pain and death, so you don’t have to. You are more than your pain.
Look around the room for three things that are red. Red is the color of blood. Remind yourself that Jesus suffered pain and humiliation and understands your own. Look around the room for three things that are green. Green is the color of spring and new beginnings. Let yourself embrace a new attitude of grace that allows you to join your suffering to Jesus’. You can live a life filled with joy.
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Look around the room for three things that are blue. Blue is the color of our Blessed Mother. Remind yourself that Mary suffered, too, and graciously accepted all God asked her to do for his glory. You have purpose in this life.
StAnthonyMessenger.org | June/July 2021 • 27