I’m too sick even to pray...

Lord, HOW can I keep going like this?

Lord, HOW can I keep going like this? “Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus” (Rev. 14:12 ESV). In my 35 years (so far) of suffering with various chronic illnesses, an incurable, life-threatening brainstem herniation, and much chronic pain, my “how” prayers have been continual, multiple times a day. You too? I could not keep going like this without God’s living and active Word and His precious gifts of songs that echo the truth of His Word. By His grace, in short bits, I recently wrote a fifth prayer book, “Praying God’s Blessings in Christ as We Suffer: Scripture Prayers for the Hardest Days.” [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT8L2833]It contains daily short prayers drawn from the Scriptures I read in this podcast (among hundreds of others), directly connecting them to other hymns and modern songs. I’m now shaping them into weekly playlist gifts [http://singchristhope.org] for my suffering sisters in Christ to use just as I do. This podcast is something I’ve sought in my own suffering, especially with disabling symptoms of dysautonomia and the severe pain of a Chiari malformation. It is a music therapy-inspired podcast with hymns and Scripture readings, intentionally designed to calm our autonomic nervous systems and enable our Lord’s healing endorphins to release. May God be greatly glorified in His healing work of all kinds, amid our chronic conditions. With all my love and every breath He grants me on earth, I’m praying that our Lord will strengthen and encourage you through the nonprofit global ministry of Singing Christ’s Hope [http://singchristhope.org], with many more resources like these for those of us with ongoing and chronic suffering. Beloved, He will help us keep going like this…all the way home to Jesus! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lauriahogle.substack.com [https://lauriahogle.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

How can my chronic illness and pain be…Your blessing, Lord?

How can my chronic illness and pain be Your blessing, Lord? Let me count the ways! Here’s just one… It’s God’s blessing as He sanctifies me, using this illness and pain to make me more Christ-like “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” (Heb. 13:12 ESV). “When through the deep waters I call you to go, [https://youtu.be/3vZfzYSEGwk?si=ilPcF4sw2jU7W_s8]the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow; [https://youtu.be/3vZfzYSEGwk?si=ilPcF4sw2jU7W_s8]for I will be with you, your troubles to bless, [https://youtu.be/3vZfzYSEGwk?si=ilPcF4sw2jU7W_s8]and sanctify to you your deepest distress.” [https://youtu.be/3vZfzYSEGwk?si=ilPcF4sw2jU7W_s8] “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin” (Rom. 6:6 ESV). “When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply!” “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life” (Rom. 6:22 ESV). “The flame shall not hurt you; I only designyour dross to consume and your gold to refine.” “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you” (Rom. 16:20 ESV). My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine; [https://youtu.be/QGEoWk7YkbA?si=bGOgGWmmRZZDOgMi]for thee all the follies of sin I resign. [https://youtu.be/QGEoWk7YkbA?si=bGOgGWmmRZZDOgMi]My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou; [https://youtu.be/QGEoWk7YkbA?si=bGOgGWmmRZZDOgMi]If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. [https://youtu.be/QGEoWk7YkbA?si=bGOgGWmmRZZDOgMi] When my body is sick, it’s God’s blessing in needing His soul-strengthening help more than ever “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name” (Ps. 91:14 ESV). “Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed;for I am your God, and will still give you aid…” “I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.” “For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God” (Jn. 16:27 ESV). I love thee because thou hast first loved me,and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree.I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. God is blessing me to be held in the hands of my Savior because of this illness, for its end? A supremely satisfying “long,” eternal life with my beloved Lord Jesus Christ! “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Ps. 91:15 ESV). I’ll love thee in life, I will love thee in death… “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation” (Ps. 91:16 ESV). “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (Jn. 3:16-17 ESV). and praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath… and say, when the death-dew lies cold on my brow:if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now. “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit” (Eph. 1:13 ESV)… “who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Pet. 1:5 ESV). I take, O cross, thy shadow [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]for my abiding place: [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]I ask no other sunshine than [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]the sunshine of his face; [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]content to let the world go by, [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]to know no gain nor loss; [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]my sinful self my only shame, [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M]my glory all the cross. [https://youtu.be/zKWMu1rT4z4?si=_QDyUcyRS0WnlF-M] “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9 ESV). In mansions of glory and endless delight,I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright… “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thess. 5:23-24 ESV)! Hallelujah! In Jesus’ precious name, amen. Beloved in Christ, our chronic illness and pain…is part of how He’s doing it all because He’s already purposed our deepest blessing, in His adopting, justifying, sanctifying, glorifying, covenant love for us in Christ. Praying this encourages you too, as we bring our heart cries to Him, in this pain and suffering: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places!” (Eph. 1:3 ESV) PAST TENSE!! I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now. As we breathe to these hymns and rest in our Lord’s Word to us in this calming, symptom-healing podcast, it’s my delight to share a new book resource [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT8L2833] for each of us who are living with chronic illness and pain….and are united with Christ. Here’s the book description: Amid chronic suffering, tribulation, or our life’s final days, where does a Christian find hope? This poignant and powerful book invites you to discover the unshakable blessings already yours in Christ, within your deepest suffering and pain. Written during Lauri’s journey of severe, chronic physical affliction, this book weaves together short lament prayers, Biblically grounded hymns, and Scriptures about God’s unending favor toward His beloved in Christ. This 90-day devotional is a tender companion for anyone facing trials, offering a pathway to sing and pray of God’s past, present, and future blessings to those united with Jesus. Whether you’re enduring chronic suffering, fearing future tribulation, or seeking peace in life’s final moments, Praying God’s Blessings in Christ as We Suffer [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT8L2833] is a healing balm for your soul. Let it lead you to cry, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2 ESV), as you rest in our faithful Lord’s continual blessings in Christ. For many more resources to help Christian women find gospel hope through Scripture-saturated song in suffering, you can find my regular website at singchristhope.org [http://singchristhope.org] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lauriahogle.substack.com [https://lauriahogle.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

My soul is safe when my body is sick

Praying into incurable. Praying into chronic. Praying into 10/10 pain. Praying into scary test results. Into all the scary tribulations happening in our world right now. Wait…does Psalm 91 tell me that godly, mature, strong believers don’t get sick and die? But…they do! Help me understand what is true, Lord? This month, our podcast of Scriptures aims to calm our symptoms of chronic illness and pain (and all the related anxiety we experience) as we breathe in time to the music therapy-inspired hymn playing and worship our Lord with these Scriptures. Let's sing in our minds as we breathe: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms How Firm a Foundation Who are we singing to, leaning on? Our beloved Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ! Let’s both look to Jesus and His victorious work on the cross in our place, as we battle the same tempter Jesus faced in spiritual warfare. Now? He can help us battle fear in chronic illness…or fear of death. Or anything scary going on in this fallen world. Beloved in Christ, let’s believe His Word’s promises to us as we listen to this podcast. Our souls are safe, no matter what. If you’d like more encouragement, you can find full playlist gifts at singchristhope.org. And! This month, I’m also sharing about my new book releasing April 7, “Praying God’s Blessings in Christ as We Suffer: Scripture Prayers for the Hardest Days.” Would you like to join our launch team and start reading your advance reader copy today? Contact me if you'd like to join! Here’s the book description: Amid chronic suffering, tribulation, or our life’s final days, where does a Christian find hope? This poignant and powerful book invites you to discover the unshakable blessings already yours in Christ, within your deepest suffering and pain. Written during Lauri’s journey of severe, chronic physical affliction, this book weaves together short lament prayers, Biblically grounded hymns, and Scriptures about God’s unending favor toward His beloved in Christ. This 90-day devotional is a tender companion for anyone facing trials, offering a pathway to sing and pray of God’s past, present, and future blessings to those united with Jesus. Whether you’re enduring chronic suffering, fearing future tribulation, or seeking peace in life’s final moments, Praying God’s Blessings in Christ as We Suffer is a healing balm for your soul. Let it lead you to cry, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2 ESV), as you rest in our faithful Lord’s continual blessings in Christ. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lauriahogle.substack.com [https://lauriahogle.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

I’m too sick even to pray...

My Jesus, I come today, too sick and weary to even find words to pray. This podcast gives me suffering songs. Sickness songs. It brings forth my words. The King of love my Shepherd is, whose goodness faileth never… It improves my cognitive function. I nothing lack if I am his and he is mine forever! It distracts me from worries. I love thee because thou hast first loved me, and purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree. My limbic system’s “negative” emotions lift. Anxiety decreases. In death’s dark vale I fear no ill with thee, dear Lord, beside me… Stress hormones regulate. Thy rod and staff my comfort still… My immune system fuels up with IgA. Thy cross before to guide me. Endorphins release! Physical pain? Cascades of systemic symptoms in multiple chronic illnesses? They’re better! Could today’s sick day be a sung duet day with You, my beloved Jesus? A calming music therapy-inspired podcast of Scriptures and hymns, suffering songs to sing to Jesus, simultaneously helping to ease our symptoms Praising God that He has kept me alive for another day, living with incurable illnesses and chronic, often intractable pain…and that my career as a music therapist, educator, and church musician has enabled me to share these podcasts with you. Singing aloud is “better,” but many of the music’s healing benefits come when we listen as well! What a gift from our Lord who created our bodies to respond to music. As you breathe in time with this podcast’s hymns, focus and sync up to its intentionally music-therapy-inspired rhythm. May this be a special time of worship in your sickbed. Some instructions: 1. Use noise-cancelling headphones. Eliminate distraction. Close your eyes. Put your body in a comfortable position, ideally lying flat with knees supported by a pillow. 2. Tap on your body if it’s still hard to focus on the sound. 3. As you begin to breathe to the music, put one hand on your belly and notice its rise and fall. Fill your belly with air as each Scripture and hymn fills your thoughts. 4. The pulsing beat of the music intentionally offers you musical phrases of about 8 inhalation beats, a short rest, and a slow exhale of about 6-8 beats. The exhale is the most healing aspect. Ask God to help you breathe in time to the music and “sing” the lyrics in your thoughts, using this set-apart time to worship and adore Him. 5. Practice as He helps reset your autonomic nervous system and heal the beautifully complex body He’s created for us. 6. I’m joining you! I NEED this and use this! Please email me your feedback, and I will tweak our podcasts accordingly! Sister in Christ, for weekly encouragement and full playlists of various hymns and modern suffering songs to sing to our Lord, you can receive these gifts at singchristhope.org To read more of my writing, you can also use my devotional Bible study lament prayer journals: Praying God’s Promises Into Suffering [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK3XKBRQ], or Near to God [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RFSPLSB]: A Devotional Bible Study of God’s Character as We Suffer, or Singing the Gospel to Job: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGN8XWJZ] Finding Hope in Suffering. In the Valleys of God’s Love [https://laurihogle.com/books/] is written for children aged 3-8, a perfect read for grandparents, parents, and children to share together, preparing them for suffering to come. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lauriahogle.substack.com [https://lauriahogle.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

“How are you?”

“How are you?” What is my “holiday” season answer of hope? What do I answer them, Lord? With whom can I be honest? How honest? The store cashier, the social media friend, family members, the people in my life who’ve gone on with their busy lives. People wouldn’t even know I’m hurting inside. My invisible illnesses. My invisible pain. My daily loss upon loss. Would my honest answer bring even more hurt? Burden them? “I am utterly bowed down and prostrate; all the day I go about mourning” (Ps. 38:6 ESV). There “is a time to mourn” (Eccl. 3:4 ESV). When they ask me how I am…is it that mourning time for me? Give me wisdom in how to answer each of them, Lord. Especially in this season of festivity. Feasting. Celebrating. “The holidays…” How is my body, with hope in Christ? How is my heart, with hope in Christ? How are my thoughts, with hope in Christ? How is my healed soul, with hope in Christ? How are they doing…really? Do they have hope in Christ? A healing podcast for us to use when symptoms of chronic illness and pain worsen in this “holiday” season How are you? If you’re like me, symptoms always increase at this time of the year. For me, part of it is the cold of winter, now that I have a metal plate holding my brain up. Yes, my answer to “how are you” cannot be “great” if I’m honest about my body. But can we both answer with His kind gifts of hope, from within our gratitude and sure hope that we’re now a beloved and reconciled child of the King? As we mourn losses in this fallen world? This music therapy-inspired podcast reads lots of Scriptures and plays calming hymns into our hurting bodies, helping us to simultaneously think on these things…of our hope in Christ. And I’m praying it helps us feel better in the process. Hymns include: Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah Child of the King Hark! The Herald Angels Sing My best advice? Tap on your body as you listen. Breathe in time to the music itself as it gradually triggers the release of God’s natural painkillers and calms the autonomic nervous system. The slower you exhale, the better. Ask Your great Jehovah to guide you as you sing His songs within, in praise to our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. To read more of Lauri’s writing and receive weekly playlist gifts, visit her website. [https://singchristhope.org] You can also use her devotional Bible study lament prayer journals: Praying God’s Promises Into Suffering [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CK3XKBRQ], or Near to God [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09RFSPLSB]: A Devotional Bible Study of God’s Character as We Suffer, or Singing the Gospel to Job: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BGN8XWJZ] Finding Hope in Suffering. In the Valleys of God’s Love [https://laurihogle.com/books/] is written for children aged 3-8, a perfect read for grandparents, parents, and children to share together, preparing them for suffering to come. For Scripture devotionals, calming hymns, and encouragement from Lauri, you can also click here for YouTube channel [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGwsMLyJAMAdnsLQiPuqqMQ/videos]. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit lauriahogle.substack.com [https://lauriahogle.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]