Dr. Kasey Whitney’s Bio

Client One

Here is a compilation of prayers I have come to call, “Moments in the Wilderness Prayers.” Originally, I was going to call them “Wilderness Prayers,” but God reminded me that this is temporary, a moment in time, and someday things will change and be better. When I heard this, I did not know that I would be in the wilderness for years. But it has been years, and it has been hard, long, up, down, high and low. Many times, I asked for a formula to get out, a key to open a new door, a quick fix and for it all to be over immediately … for this wilderness, along with its storms, battles and dry places to be over NOW! I have pleaded, cried, prayed, fasted, done whatever I could think of, and asked God again and again to change things immediately but I am still here. I have said, “PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE LORD” but no way out came … no quick fix came, no “Three-Steps to Success” came or path out came. In the wilderness I have felt alone, helpless, disappointed, lost, forsaken, and hopeless. I have been angry, frustrated, fearful, and cried my share of tears.

Although, my wilderness experience has not ended, and time continues to pass, I have praised, worshipped, repented and fought battles too. I discovered sin that was hidden in me or maybe that I hid from. I’ve had more self-awareness, learned incredible lessons and even discovered new pieces of myself. Unexpectedly I noticed that there were moments when I would start then stop, doubt then believe, struggle and later be solid, trust then not trust in God, have high faith and then low faith, and faith highs then faith crises. There were times when I wanted to give up and then I would press on, crawl or pray for God to carry me. In this journey I resisted, and then finally started to surrender, heal, and face myself – God worked on me.

God was doing this invisible, internal interior work in me. God was exposing my sin, mindsets, idols, beliefs, and what I had put my trust in. I had compartmentalized some things. Other sin, attitudes, perspectives and things became clearer as time passed … blatant and in my face. I had to face myself – my unhealthy mental recordings, and “judgmental-ness.” I faced my weak faith, pride and pious ways. I faced what I put my trust in when I thought I had put my trust in God. I faced my limited thinking and limited beliefs. This process was not pretty, perfect or painless but it was necessary, beneficial and relevant. The wilderness that was so dry, long and weary also birth revelation, repentance and relational changes with God, others and how I viewed the world. This temporary, not permanent days, months and years are just moments in the wilderness.

This season tested my faith and there were days I had to binge on sermons versus Netflix. Days I listened to certain worship songs that I played repeatedly when people, places, things, food, prayer or the Word did not penetrate my discouragement, fears, doubts, and frustrations. Days when I had to read God’s Word or meditate on God’s character to silence the negative and destructive thoughts in my head. But, I can now say, “It was not without purpose. God’s love, patience, faithfulness and commitment to us is real.” So, I invite you to read my prayers and to write your own. I suggest that you make space to slow down and spend time with yourself and with God. You may be thinking, “How can this help me?” Because you will find God. He will be your …  “refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1, ESV). Journalling will also be a place you can be vulnerable, give voice to your journey, and speak freely to God. There are even prayer prompts available if you are not sure where to start or you can write your own thoughts and prayers. 

If any of this sounds familiar, if you know someone that is presently here or if you want to understand what others are going through this prayer journal is for you. Prayer and journaling helped me, and it could help you too. I have added songs for each prayer because sometimes when words couldn’t reach me … worship could.

Please know that God is listening, He cares for you, and you are not alone. God can get a word to you. God can provide hope, benefits and clarity in your wilderness experience.  But most of all, I pray that you discover that your wilderness experience is temporary, and it will pass. I pray you will know for yourself, that God is there – present, purposeful, and powerful … working on your behalf as your protector, provider and promise keeper, for real … for real.  So, stay the course and together, and with God’s help let’s get to this other side of the wilderness.-Kasey WhitneyClient’s Job Title One