When facing trials in our lives, knowing that someone is praying for us can be a huge consolation, even if we never fully know how those prayers impact us. But having a way to reach out for prayers is another matter. As our parish receptionist, Mary Carmen Lopez Mota received many calls asking for prayers and she saw a great need to ensure that those requests were honored. So, Mary Carmen revitalized the Prayer Chain in 2021.
“It’s beautiful when someone calls me and specifies their intentions because they are sharing part of their life and their heart,” she says. “People are hurting so it’s an opportunity to bring them some comfort, knowing people are praying for them.”
The Prayer Chain is simple — at the end of the day, Mary Carmen sends out an email to the group she has built over the last couple years that includes all of the prayer requests that came in that day. Members aren’t asked to pray any particular prayers, but are just asked to include these intentions in their daily prayers. If an urgent prayer request comes in, Mary Carmen sends an email immediately so that the Prayer Chain can begin praying as soon as possible.
Having some structure for these prayer intentions has helped Mary Carmen deepen her prayer life and her trust in God.
“We often pray for ourselves, but when somebody is in need, we have to help and it’s beautiful to bring them to the hands of the Lord,” Mary Carmen says. “It has helped me to trust in Him and to realize He is in charge. Prayer is the first thing we should do. We should be saying, ‘Jesus, it’s in Your hands.’”
Another beautiful aspect of this ministry is that anyone can participate. Everyone, no matter their circumstances, can pray. You can be traveling or you can be homebound and still join this growing community of prayer.
“All of us are called to have a prayer life and I think it brings more meaning to our prayers if we offer them for somebody else, not just for ourselves,” Mary Carmen says. “When you give that gift to somebody, it fulfills and brings a different meaning to prayer.”
If you are encountering difficulties in your life, know that our community is ready to bring your specific needs to Our Lord. Whatever that trial may be — illness, injury, unemployment, or strained relationships in your life or your family — the prayers of our parish family can help you walk that difficult road. St. Padre Pio said, “Prayer is the key that opens the heart of God.” All are invited to join the Prayer Chain.
To submit a prayer request, or to join the email list, contact the parish office at 303-688-3025 or through the parish website, www.stfranciscr.org.
