Spiritual healing involves regaining our awareness of God's activity in our immediate world. It requires a willingness to acknowledge our sense of loss as well as an openness to God’s presence to restore personal or social wholeness.

So, take some time to consider the following questions:

• Does any aspect of these conversations disturb or frighten you?

A desire for healing often raises many forms of anxiety. So, as you look to these conversations, you should make note of any of its issues that already frighten or disturb you. Be clear about these concerns and try to explain them in as much detail as possible in your preliminary conversation. Also, do not be nervous about being unable to express more than a vague anxiety.

• Are you experiencing any particular emotions as you approach these conversations?

It is important that you express a clear understanding of any other emotions that may be emerging as you begin these conversations. If you have insights into how these emotions already affect you, the conversations will become much easier since these feelings can be taken into consideration while you are speaking.

• Are any of the issues you wish to discuss marked by particular depth or complexity?

As you prepare for these conversations, be aware that certain aspects of the discussion will be more difficult than others. Because of the history you bring to the conversation, you may already have an awareness that a particular issue will go deeper into your emotional or psychological life. Explain this in as much detail as possible during our preliminary conversation. In much the same way, if a particular issue is highly complex and involves various aspects of your life (or the lives of those around you), then you should summarize it as fully as possible.

• Do you think these conversations will be emotionally or spiritually overwhelming?

Ultimately, you will find that God acts directly and simply. But we (as human beings) have a tendency to over-complicate our lives and our choices as we layer them with defense mechanisms meant to protect us from things which frighten us or which have hurt us in the past. Again, be open and honest in these conversations so that the truth of the situation may be revealed.

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