Grief Cleanse

The purpose

A process that validates your grief and helps you release the pain of your loss.

Matthew 5:4 TM You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

The commitment

• You need to give some undisturbed time for this process.
• 15-30 minutes per day for seven days (then as needed after that).

The tools

• A journal & pen (or other writing method)
• The steps
• A quiet place

The posture

• The courage to face your fears and doubts along
• The faith to trust God’s healing work within you

The Eight Steps

Step 1: Get quiet and comfortable (breathe in and out a few times; remove all distractions)

Step 2: Ask the question: “Grief, will you come out and speak to me?” [write this in your journal]

Step 3: Gauge your resistance to this exercise on a scale of 1 (”no way”) to 10 (”so ready!”). [Write down your number]

Step 4: Answer the question: “Why do I need to do this exercise?” Eg) “So I can be fully healed.” “So I can get unstuck and help others.” Etc.

Step 5: Now ask the question again, “Grief, will you come out and speak to me?” [Write down everything grief says]

Step 6: After you feel complete, ask yourself, “What did I find surprising?” [Write down your answers]

Step 7: Once more ask the question, “Grief, will you come out and speak to me?” [Write down your answers]

Step 8: Now invite God to speak to you by asking, “God, is there anything you’d like to say to me right now?” [Write down what you hear him say]

Now close with a short prayer of thanks and commit your grief journey to Him.

[Adapted from the book, Second Firsts by Christina Rasmussen (pp. 59-60).]