Reflecting on the Power of Prayer and the Blessings of Adoration

When Paul Smith’s son was hospitalized last year, he turned to God in prayer.

“My son who lived in Indiana in November of 2021, contracted COVID and he was unconscious and intubated, and it wasn’t looking real positive,” Paul says. “I was praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament and I was just overwhelmed with peace because I knew he received the anointing of the sick. And the message I heard was that he’s either going to heaven or he’s going to recover. Both of those just overwhelmed me with joy. I was at such peace.”

Julie Pope, the leader of our Adoration Ministry here at St. Timothy, put the word out to others about Paul’s son and requested prayers for healing. Another parishioner who was in New York at the time sought out a church in order to find a place to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

“And then the next day, my son started to come around,” Paul says. “It was a very slow but steady process. It took about six, seven months to recover, but I believe he recovered because of all the prayer, not only from the Adoration Ministry but from other ministries. So many people were praying for him and I truly appreciate that.”

Paul has been a parishioner here at St. Timothy’s since he moved here from Pennsylvania five years ago. As he was searching for a parish, Paul knew as soon as he arrived here that this was the parish he was going to call his own.

“I still remember the first Sunday here,” he says. Shortly after joining our community, Paul quickly became involved in parish life and was taken by the many offerings of our parish.

“I can’t say enough about the number of ministries, the amazing clergy, religious and staff,” Paul says. “It’s just been truly a godsend that I have been able to worship at St. Tim’s.”

Paul spends an hour each week in adoration. Approaching Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, he says he reflects on the lineage of priests and disciples who take us back to the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the Eucharist among His apostles.

“Jesus told Lazarus to come out; He told the little girl to rise,” Paul says. Jesus says, “This is my body and this is my blood.” Then He went out the next day and died because He loved us so much. I truly, truly believe we’re in the presence of Jesus. That truly is the Body of Christ.

I often close my eyes and envision Him on a throne, and I just know He is listening and I trust He’s going to answer my prayers, I’m just in total awe of His presence — it’s the most precious hour of my week.”

Although he is a cradle Catholic, there came a turning point in Paul’s faith life when he asked Jesus to change his life.

“I simply wanted to be closer to Jesus and I asked Him to please change my life,” Paul says. “It was amazing all the different people that came into my life. Even in my years as a cradle Catholic, I didn’t stop and smell the roses. I always contributed and volunteered, and thought that was good enough. But I wanted more — I thought, ‘There has to be more.’ Now the rest is history, it’s completely changed my life. Jesus has graced me and blessed me with so many amazing people that have brought me closer to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

Parishioner Paul Smith