Healing prayer after trauma

The latest book from Baptist minister, chaplain, counsellor and Christian author Patrick Coghlan explores entering into a dialogue of healing prayer with God following a traumatic event, historical or recent 

 
 
Patrick is the minister at Worstead Baptist Church in Meeting Hill (North Norfolk). He is also a trustee and the chaplain of Aylsham and district Care Trust (ACT), and the manager of ACT Counselling Services – both of which are based in the ACT Centre, in Aylsham. ACT is a Christian community care charity, and does a lot of work with older people. The ACT Centre is part of the St Michael’s Care Complex.

In his work as a minister, chaplain and counsellor, Patrick has had considerable experience of working with people of most age groups, in the context of providing ministry and care. Patrick, who is married to June with two grown-up children, has been an enthusiastic author for many years, having had his first book published in 2001. He has written a variety of Christian resources for different age groups, and some family novels.
 
He was inspired to write the new book Healing Prayer After Trauma - A Journey with God a couple of years ago, at a conference led by Marilyn Baker and Tracy Williamson.
 
'Healing Prayer After Trauma focuses on entering into a dialogue of healing prayer with God,' Patrick explained, 'for some kind of trauma that has happened, maybe in the distant past – but where the effects are still ongoing.
 
'As well as following my own spiritual journey of seeking another level of God’s healing – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually – Healing Prayer After Trauma is more importantly about the reader’s journey. From what is the reader seeking physical, mental, emotional or spiritual healing? And what form is their journey going to take?'
 
Each chapter of Healing Prayer After Trauma examines a particular area of healing prayer. It begins with Patrick’s own dialogue with God, and his healing response. Bible references are given as a confirmation of that response.

It then turns to the reader’s unique story.

Having said that, it is Patrick’s hope that his dialogue with God will be helpful to the reader. He doesn't shy away from his own anxieties, and hopes the reader might be able to use some of it as a basis for their own dialogue with God – or at least find it an encouragement to embark on and persevere with their own journey of healing prayer.
 
The central section of each chapter looks at a related theme, based on the teaching of the Bible; particularly looking at healing promises contained within Scripture concerning the nature of God.
 
'Healing Prayer After Trauma is primarily about the reader and their story, and developing their own personal dialogue with God, as they seek to experience his healing in their life – physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually,' Patrick said.

'It is not a substitute for medical treatment or counselling. God can use those as part of the healing process – alongside a journey of healing prayer.'
 

Healing Prayer After Trauma is published by Kevin Mayhew. It will be launched at an event in the ACT Centre in Aylsham (NR11 6YA) on Saturday 17 November from 10-00am to 4-00pm.

The event will also feature Tracy Williamson with her new book The Father’s Kiss, Barry Lawrence will bring a selection of books he has written, and June Coghlan will be displaying and selling her stained glass work. Patrick will have copies of all of his other books available as well as the new one. Entry to the event is free. Also, the ACT café will be open.