November 21, 2006
Some years ago I was at a Catholic conference. The speaker was presenting a talk on the subject of prayer, particularly praying for one another. Most people in the conference hall were strangers to each other, and the speaker said that she wanted to try a practical exercise. She invited each person to turn to his or her neighbor, ask them what they would like prayer for, and then, very simply, with perhaps a hand on the shoulder, to pray for that person’s request. After a few minutes the roles were reversed and the recipient of the prayer became the one who prayed for the other.
A short while later the speaker brought the prayer to a close. I noticed that the whole atmosphere in the room had changed. People’s faces had softened. There was a sense of vulnerable trust; and the Holy Spirit seemed to be hovering among us. The speaker asked, “Who feels better for having done this?” Hundreds of hands were raised into the air. She asked, “Who feels worse for having done this?” Not one hand was raised.
In our busy lives we can often feel alone in the things that we are going through. Sometimes it can feel as if we are carrying the burdens of the whole world on our shoulders. It has happened a number of times that when I have been tired and stressed, a kind and courageous brother has asked, “Would you like to pray?” How can one refuse such a heartfelt request? After the prayer, everything changes. The Holy Spirit has been invited into the situation and brings the peace and healing of Jesus. It is He Who has taken the burdens and sins of the whole world onto His shoulders. After each time of such prayer, I always ask myself, “Why don’t we do this more often?”
Step out and pray for someone today. Surprise someone. When they ask for prayer, they might think that you’ll remember them during your rosary. Ask to pray with them right there and then! You will be amazed at the results. I have been living in the New York area for over four years and have never been refused when I asked to pray for someone. In fact, most times people express deep gratitude. And then ask them to pray for you—right there and then!
“Behold, the kingdom of God is among you!” ( Luke 17:21)
Br. John Bosco Mills, CFR
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