The Prayer Chain Ministry: Drawing on the Powers of Intercession in Care for Others
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or most Catholics, “spending something to help someone,” she time in prayer” may mean says. several different things — from Nancy encourages parishioners praying the Rosary, to reading to call or email if they have a prayer and reflecting on Scripture, to request for which they would asking God to provide for their like the Prayer Chain Ministry to needs or the needs of others intercede. Over the years, she has in their family. However, for a seen the power of prayer in her own dedicated group of parishioners life and hopes other parishioners at St. Benedict Cathedral, will consider reaching out when prayer also means taking time to they have a need. intercede specifically for the needs “This is not just for St. Ben’s of others — sometimes strangers Parish,” Nancy says. “You don’t — in our parish and community. have to be from St. Ben’s to be on For many years, members of the prayer list, and you don’t have the Prayer Chain Ministry have to be Catholic. We’re praying for been praying for others' needs, big anybody who asks for prayers. and small, both within our parish “We all need prayer,” she adds. and beyond. “We all need encouragement, and “Jesus taught us to pray the Parishioner Nancy Vaught coordinates when two or more are praying for the Prayer Chain for the parish Our Father and many times in the something, it’s a huge comfort. Bible, prayer is mentioned,” says Even if you think ‘Somebody parishioner Nancy Vaught, who has been involved needs it more than I do,’ everybody needs prayer, in the group for over a decade. “It’s a comfort to everybody needs encouragement.” know God is there for us — all we have to do is pray For those looking for a way to be involved in and ask for help.” service — especially in times when many of our Today, the group of intercessors has grown to ministries are on hiatus due to COVID-19, the over 40, and while there is also an email “prayer Prayer Chain Ministry may be a great way to give chain,” Nancy coordinates the group that calls other back and stay connected to the parish community. parishioners to share prayer requests. People reach Members can take time to pray based on their own out to the group for prayers in all types of situations, schedule and can intercede with whatever prayers from physical or mental illness to financial struggles, they choose. or other concerns. People are free to share details, “It’s a very easy thing,” Nancy says. “It’s not a or be as vague — or even anonymous — as they’d big-time commitment, but it’s a very powerful thing like. All prayer requests are kept confidential. to lift people up in prayer." Occasionally, those who have requested prayers will reach out to the group to share an update and prayers of thanksgiving, as well. If you would like more information, “Just to know that somebody else is praying for to become a part of the Prayer Chain, you when you have a concern, it’s a comfort to know or to submit a prayer request, please people are raising you up in prayer,” Nancy says. contact Nancy Vaught at 812-491-1786 It’s also deepened Nancy’s spiritual life to pray or the parish office at 812-425-3369. for others. “I feel a whole lot closer to God when I’m doing 6
