2. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Prayer Ministry and Psychology: The Relationship and the Risks Dr Tara Gormley Chartered Clinical Psychologist Psuché Consulting

3. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Introductions Me (Cutland, 2000) You? Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. It is both a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice. – BPS. Prayer Ministry: ’By being open and responsive to the working of the Holy Spirit, we pray that God's love, guidance and healing power would be released for the benefit of His people and to His glory.’ www.prayerguide.org.uk

4. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Overview Psychological aspects of prayer ministry Limits / risks of Prayer Ministry Limits / risks of Psychological Therapy for Christians Psychology and Prayer Ministry working together Questions

5. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Psychological aspects of prayer ministry Interpersonal care State of Emotional Openness Propositional / rational vs Implicational / experiential Implicational / experiential via a) rational system (Bible, spoken words, etc) b) emotionally significant experiences (e.g. relationships) c) sensory experiences (music, pictures, Holy Spirit sensations)

6. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Limits / Risks of Prayer Ministry If seen as the only way so appropriate help not sought If promotes quick-fix mentality –breakthrough vs breakdown –post-traumatic growth ‘ When the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.’ James 1:3&4 (TLB)

7. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Limits / risks of Psychological Therapy for Christians (Cutland, 2000; Smiley, 2001) Lack of training in religious / spiritual issues Non-religious therapists using Christian CBT more effective than Christian therapists; respectful engagement with faith most important? Benefits of non-Christian therapist Benefits of Christian therapist Faith of therapist less important than being appropriately skilled?

8. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Psychology and Prayer Ministry Working Together Parker & St John(1992) 10 year experiment: Random Prayer Psychotherapy Prayer [&] Therapy

9. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Psychology & Prayer Ministry Working Together Random Prayer –no / backward progress Psychotherapy –65% improvement ‘Prayer Therapy’ –72% improvement

10. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Psychology & Prayer Ministry Working Together Insights psychology can add: –Worry –Intrusive thoughts –Forgiveness –Panic –Etc.

11. The Beautiful Mind? HTB London :: 26th March 2010 www.psuche.co.ukwww.psuche.co.uk sptc.htb.org.ukmindandsoul.info Psychology & Prayer Ministry Working Together Case example Finally… And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11