feb/mar/apr
2022
The Prayer Line Ministry:
Interceding and Supporting Those in Need
I
n the First Letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul writes, “First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone” (1 Tim. 2:1). The power of praying for one another is something that not only impacts the person being prayed for, but the person praying for someone. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Since Abraham, intercession — asking on behalf of another has been characteristic of a heart attuned to God’s mercy” (CCC, 2635). The parish community of St. Jude’s comes together to pray for others through the Prayer Line Ministry. “Prayer Line is a means of communicating prayer intentions of the parish,” says Joan Cahill, who serves as the coordinator of this ministry. “We have about 300 people who receive the emails that we send out with prayer requests.” This ministry is so important to the parish because it builds community through prayer and compassion for one another. “Everyone needs prayers and everyone needs hope and community,” Joan says. “This also gets the word out to the community that people are in need. We pray for them and I also see parishioners reaching out to each other during their times of need. I see people giving each other
support through this. We all need that support. “Sometimes we get powerful answers to the prayers and sometimes we never hear the answer,” she adds. “What I hear most often from people is that they felt the prayers. It brought them peace and comfort as they have gone through difficult times.” The emails with prayer requests are sent out any time a request is submitted. This way, timely prayer requests, such as those for a medical appointment or job interview, are sent quickly and those receiving the requests can pray for them immediately. continued on page 5
