We pray, and Our Lord answers
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
It is true! When we pray, He answers, He heals. I’ve been praying for 160 intentions daily for many years, split between Morning and Evening Prayer of the Liturgy of the Hours. Many Secular Franciscans pray those prayers; some pray multiple decades of the Rosary, or a combination of both. We make a consistent effort to sin no more because we love God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the Saints, particularly our Seraphic Father, Saint Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, and many other Franciscan Saints, and St. Clare of Assisi as well.
No time to pray? Make time, it’s important! I’m retired, and I have time to a certain extent. I prepare lists for intentions so that I do not miss anyone who asked to be prayed for. Next to each name, I’ll note what has to be prayed for, cancer, or some other disease, vocation (marriage, or religious), etc. People (not Franciscans) often send me long lists of text, particularly scripture texts: doesn’t interest me. I am not interested in your knowledge of scripture, nor how religious you are; all I need to know is a simple explanation what you wish me to pray for, e.g., cancer, or heart condition, need help with finances, repentance, etc. Remember I do not bring healing; God does.
For a couple of months, I’ve been praying for Virginia who lives in the Philippines. She had a stroke four years ago, became paralyzed on one side of her body. Was confined in a wheelchair for four years, unable to get to Holy Mass, had a tough time getting into and out of bed. She lived alone and her family (sons) had neglected her. There are many people in this world who live alone and have been forgotten; that’s a crime in itself. Anyway, I began praying for her, answering her daily messages, etc. About a month ago, she told me her nephews had offered to take her in, at their home; they provided therapy (rehabilitation). Now she can walk, with a walker, and last Sunday, she went to Church, to Holy Mass for the first time in four years. Praise God, He heard our prayers.
About two months ago, I began praying for Johnny, a nine-year old lad, great grandson of one of our members. He had, as many kids have nowadays, temper tantrums, anger, etc. Not sure why. I began to pray for him, and I’m sure many others did also. A few days ago, I received word that he was much better, he had a normal four-day stretch. Praise the Lord.
There have been other instances of healing, so I am totally convinced that God hears us, and that He loves us and, in his mercy, he wants to help us. Everyone can (and should) pray. Get into the habit of daily prayer, and at the same time of curtailing sin. We’re all sinners, and when we all try hard to sin no more and make a concerted effort, there will be peace on earth.
Peace and Good,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS, 10/13/23