The Prayer Chain Ministry: Drawing on the Powers of Intercession in Care for Others

For most Catholics, “spending time in prayer” may mean several different things — from praying the Rosary, to reading and reflecting on Scripture, to asking God to provide for their needs or the needs of others in their family. However, for a dedicated group of parishioners at St. Benedict Cathedral, prayer also means taking time to intercede specifically for the needs of others — sometimes strangers — in our parish and community.

For many years, members of the Prayer Chain Ministry have been praying for others' needs, big and small, both within our parish and beyond.

“Jesus taught us to pray the Our Father and many times in the Bible, prayer is mentioned,” says parishioner Nancy Vaught, who has been involved in the group for over a decade. “It’s a comfort to know God is there for us — all we have to do is pray and ask for help.”

Today, the group of intercessors has grown to over 40, and while there is also an email “prayer chain,” Nancy coordinates the group that calls other parishioners to share prayer requests. People reach out to the group for prayers in all types of situations, from physical or mental illness to financial struggles, or other concerns. People are free to share details, or be as vague — or even anonymous — as they’d like. All prayer requests are kept confidential. Occasionally, those who have requested prayers will reach out to the group to share an update and prayers of thanksgiving, as well.

“Just to know that somebody else is praying for you when you have a concern, it’s a comfort to know people are raising you up in prayer,” Nancy says.

It’s also deepened Nancy’s spiritual life to pray for others.

“I feel a whole lot closer to God when I’m doing something to help someone,” she says.

Nancy encourages parishioners to call or email if they have a prayer request for which they would like the Prayer Chain Ministry to intercede. Over the years, she has seen the power of prayer in her own life and hopes other parishioners will consider reaching out when they have a need.

“This is not just for St. Ben’s Parish,” Nancy says. “You don’t have to be from St. Ben’s to be on the prayer list, and you don’t have to be Catholic. We’re praying for anybody who asks for prayers.

“We all need prayer,” she adds. “We all need encouragement, and when two or more are praying for something, it’s a huge comfort.

Even if you think ‘Somebody needs it more than I do,’ everybody needs prayer, everybody needs encouragement.”

For those looking for a way to be involved in service — especially in times when many of our ministries are on hiatus due to COVID-19, the Prayer Chain Ministry may be a great way to give back and stay connected to the parish community. Members can take time to pray based on their own schedule and can intercede with whatever prayers they choose.

“It’s a very easy thing,” Nancy says. “It’s not a big-time commitment, but it’s a very powerful thing to lift people up in prayer."

If you would like more information, to become a part of the Prayer Chain, or to submit a prayer request, please contact Nancy Vaught at 812-491-1786 or the parish office at 812-425-3369.

Parishioner Nancy Vaught coordinates the Prayer Chain for the parish