Prayer Warriors: Faithfully Reaching out to God for Those in Need

A pencil can’t write without a person controlling it. Prayer Warrior Ministry Leader Marguerite Smith uses this as an analogy for prayer — the Prayer Warriors are the pencil, and God is the writer.

“When someone asks us for prayers, we can’t change their situation,” she says. “We can comfort them. Ultimately, they have to give it to faith.”

Parishioners email requests to Marguerite, and she quickly emails them out to the nearly 100 Prayer Warriors. The person requesting prayers doesn’t need to be a member at St. Patrick’s or Catholic. Prayers Warriors are available for anyone in need.

Marguerite is so thankful to everyone who is a part of this ministry. It is truly important to her to offer a way for people to request prayers. There are so many needs, and she knows that God truly listens to their prayers.

“This is a very dedicated group,” she says. “They are there for people — to pray for them and lift up those in need.”

Although this group doesn’t meet in person, many members know one another through Bible study and other ministries. And while they aren’t always together, they are always united in prayer.

At times, the Prayers Warriors are very busy. Marguerite estimates there is about one prayer request per day. Members are encouraged to pray in whatever way they want — from praying a Rosary, to a special prayer they enjoy or spontaneous prayer. The most important thing is that they follow through on their commitment to pray for those who need it.

‘’We want people to know that when they ask, we pray for them,” Marguerite says. “We don’t just get the request and not follow through.”

An essential part of this ministry is confidentiality. Members are expected to keep the request to himself or herself.

“We want to maintain the dignity of those asking for help,” she says. “It’s not our job to talk about the request with others. It is our job to pray.”

Those making prayer requests may also do so anonymously. Marguerite knows that with all the Prayer Warriors praying, God hears the request. But that doesn’t mean the person will get exactly what they ask for.

“Whatever the answer is, is God’s will,” she says.

Ultimately, this is a ministry of hospitality. It’s a way for everyone — parishioners and non-parishioners alike — to know they are not alone. People will be there for them when they need it. This is our job as Christians. We are to be here for others.

“We can help people know they are not invisible,” Marguerite says. “We offer up the prayers, and God does the rest.”

Marguerite has seen a lot of positive responses from this ministry. She asks for people to keep her updated on their needs if they can — she emails out any updates she receives.

If you would like to submit a prayer request or become a Prayer Warrior, please contact Marguerite Smith at masmith0118@gmail.com or 530-432–8802.

At St. Patrick’s, there is a dedicated group of 97 Prayer Warriors.