“He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed.” — 2 Peter 2:24
You’re Not Alone
Have you ever felt stuck in guilt or shame—like no matter how much you pray, you keep returning to the same pain? I want you to know right now: you’re not alone, and there is hope. Whether your emotional wounds are new or years old, healing is possible. And today, we’re going to take one specific spiritual step toward freedom by praying Scripture.
Why Pray Scripture?
1. Praying Scripture grounds prayer in truth, not just feelings.
When we rely on our emotions alone, we may be praying one moment with fervor and another moment feel lost or empty. But Scripture is unchanging truth—an anchor for our hearts, especially in seasons of confusion, guilt, or despair. It offers clarity and a platform for spiritual alignment, helping our prayers reflect not just what we feel, but what God has said.
It’s one thing to say, “God, I’m crying out because I feel worthless.” It’s another to balance that vulnerable honesty with a truth: “But Your Word says I’m chosen, forgiven, and beloved.” That tension is where real transformation happens.
2. It invites intimacy with God’s character.
Scripture reveals who God is and what Jesus has accomplished. Praying His Word helps you see beyond your current emotional state and access the spiritual reality of God’s promise. It’s a pathway to knowing and believing that promise, rather than just reciting words or hoping they apply to you.
3. It becomes a spiritual habit and resource.
If you’ve listened to the podcast, you heard me reflect on my own journey in prayer. I used to feel unsure and awkward, rarely knowing how to begin. Over time, I discovered that praying Scripture helped me build consistency and confidence. It provided a framework during hard seasons—and during peaceful seasons too—for knowing what to say and seeing how God answered.
Understanding 2 Peter 2:24
Let’s break down why 2 Peter 2:24 is such a powerful verse for moving from guilt and shame toward healing and freedom.
- “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross…”
This phrase reminds us that Jesus carried our sin—our guilt and shame—intentionally and fully. This wasn’t by accident or secondary; it was a purposeful redemptive act. - “…so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness…”
This part reveals the purpose behind the sacrifice: freedom from bondage to sin. A call into new life. If guilt or shame make you feel stuck, this truth is revolutionary: you were made to move forward, not remain stuck in past mistakes. - “…by His wounds you have been healed.”
The word healed here is powerful—it’s not maybe you’re on your way to feeling better—it’s a declaration: You have been healed. If you struggle with believing that healing is possible, this verse declares it in the past tense.
This verse holds a promise. It is a spiritual promise and a declaration of identity and potential.
As you pray it, you’re not simply reading words—you’re speaking truth into your soul, confronting emotional wounds with spiritual reality.
How to Pray Through This Verse — Step by Step
Here’s a structured way to approach praying through 2 Peter 2:24. You can return to this practice each time guilt or shame arises, or use it during quiet spiritual reflection.
1. Center Your Heart
Begin in stillness. Acknowledge what you’re feeling—name it out loud or in your journal. It’s okay to say, “God, I am overwhelmed, ashamed, fearful…” Give yourself permission to be honest.
2. Read the Verse Slowly
Read 2 Peter 2:24 aloud or from your Bible.
Pause at each phrase and reflect silently or write:
- “He Himself bore our sins…” → “Jesus bore my guilt; He carried it away.”
- “so that we might die to sins…” → “I release my bondage; I choose freedom.”
- “by His wounds you have been healed.” → “I receive Your healing now.”
3. Personalize the Promise
Pray the verse but adapt it to your context. Example:
Lord, You carried my guilt and shame on the cross. I receive that reality today. Help me to die to the guilt that I have carried, and help me walk in righteousness. I receive healing in my heart and soul by Your wounds.
You can journal your thoughts or even say it aloud—the act of speaking it is meaningful.
4. Sit in Silence or Journal What Arises
After praying, pause for a few minutes. What surfaces emotionally or spiritually? You might sense release, physical tension easing, or even tears. Tears are okay—they’re often part of the release.
If journaling, ask: What truth did I need to hear today? What am I willing to surrender? What is God inviting me into next?
5. Bring It Full Circle with a Declaration
Close with a spoken declaration or written affirmation, something like:
“I am forgiven, I am free, I am being healed, and I am stepping forward in righteousness today—because of Jesus.”
You can return to this practice whenever guilt or shame returns, allowing the Holy Spirit to reaffirm truth in your heart.
Guided Healing Prayer
Here’s a full prayer you can adapt and pray today or anytime:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You that Jesus carried my guilt and shame on the cross. I acknowledge where I’ve felt stuck, ashamed, or overwhelmed. Today, I choose to release those burdens into Your hands—knowing that He bore them fully.
Help me to die to the power of sin and guilt running through my mind or my habits. Teach me what it looks like to walk in righteousness step by step, even when I don’t fully understand the path.
I receive Your healing in my heart, my emotions, and my spirit. I believe that by His wounds, I am healed. Lord, continue to meet me—especially in the places of deepest pain. If I need to sit in silence, cry, or journal, give me courage and space to invite You in.
Today, I declare: I am forgiven. I am free. I am walking forward.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Addressing Common Barriers to Healing
Here are some real obstacles that many women face when walking through healing after abortion—and how Scripture-prayer can help each one:
1. “I don’t deserve healing.”
Truth check: Scripture shows that healing is a gift, not something earned.
Praying through “by His wounds you have been healed” reorients the belief from earning to receiving. It’s a gift, accessible to you now.
2. “I don’t even know where to start; I’m stuck.”
Truth check: You can start small.
Reading one verse, praying one short paragraph, or just sitting quietly and reflecting is enough. The consistency builds trust and transformation.
3. “I feel isolated in my pain.”
Truth check: Community matters.
When shame whispers that you’re alone, healing invites you into connection. Whether through journaling, a prayer partner, a mentor, or a trusted spiritual friend—you don’t have to walk it alone. This is why I host workshops and groups, because healing happens in shared spaces of vulnerability and accountability.
4. “What if the triggers come back?”
Truth check: Triggers are normal, part of healing, not signs of failure.
When a memory or emotion resurfaces, you can return to the anchored prayer practice, journal, or speak to someone you trust. Over time, the trigger’s power can decrease as you build new spiritual pathways rooted in truth.
Next Steps for You
If this blog post resonated with your heart, here are a few gentle, faith-filled ways to move forward:
- Listen to the full Episode 244, where I share more personal reflection and walk you through a live prayer moment.
- Join the free Abortion Recovery Workshop on September 9th—a safe space to process grief, ask questions, and walk forward in community. You can register at brittanypoppe.com/workshop.
- Ask to be part of a small prayer or accountability group, especially if you’d appreciate walking this journey with women who understand and hold space.
- Bookmark this prayer practice or journal prompt and return to it whenever you feel guilt or shame resurface. Healing is a journey, and every step—small or large—matters.
You Are Not Defined by the Past
Friend, guilt and shame are powerful, but they aren’t the final word. Jesus’ sacrifice and the healing made available through Scripture provide both permission and power to walk forward.
You don’t have to carry the shame forever. You don’t have to stay stuck. You can release, you can receive, and you can begin moving in freedom—even today.
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