Prayer is as powerful as the foundation of Stewardship of Time, which is the first Pillar of Parish Stewardship! We see prayer throughout the Gospels when people run to Christ begging for miracles that He is often quick to perform, and we see it here in our own parish community even today. Prayer changes things. When we run to Christ, He meets us where we are, and He answers our prayers! It is why St. Padre Pio once said “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” Running to God with our needs and desires is the most powerful thing we can do — and when we do it together, the power of our prayers exponentially increases for each of us.
“Our Lord told His apostles, many times, of the importance of prayer,” says Margie Hinrichsen, coordinator of our Prayer Chain Ministry. “The Blessed Mother told us to pray often, particularly the Rosary. And through this ministry, I have witnessed the power of our prayers and have seen many prayers answered over the years. When we come together and pray for one another, there is great power in that.”
Since 1984 when Mary Ann Kort coordinated the effort, the Prayer Chain Ministry has offered prayers, on behalf of Corpus Christi parishioners, by phoning prayer requests from parishioner to parishioner.
“That is how the ministry got its name as a prayer ‘chain,’” Margie says.
Then, several years ago, when Margie took over as coordinator, she shifted the ministry to email correspondence. But even as the method of the ministry has changed, the power in the ministry remains.
“We have seen God answer many prayers through our ministry,” Margie says. “We offer prayers daily for everything from people who are sick and dying, to safe travel, and even for family members to return to the faith. The list is truly endless, and we are here to pray for whatever the need. Sometimes we have urgent requests when life changes on a dime, and I will send out an email immediately. Other times, I send out requests daily and sometimes twice a day. The people of our parish want to pray for one another, and the power in their prayers is evident.”
Margie says she has received much feedback over the years of people being blown away by answered prayers. She’s even had people who have moved away request to stay on the Prayer Chain. We are a people of prayer and the Prayer Chain Ministry, though a simple one, is a wonderful gift to those involved, and those in need.
“We have certainly seen miracles happen as a result of this ministry,” Margie says. “It is particularly wonderful to hear when a request has been answered and prayers of thanksgiving can be offered.”
What’s more, Margie says that participating in the Prayer Chain has deepened her own faith and increased her prayer life.
“I have enjoyed this ministry, knowing that there are dedicated people in our community who truly care for others and want to pray for their needs,” Margie says. “I have been a witness to the reality that sometimes prayer is the only answer, and it is a blessing to be able to offer prayers for others.”
Margie takes requests via email, phone, or person-to-person, and is happy to take all of them. From there, Margie sends out an email to the 74 members of the ministry, and everyone offers prayers for the included intentions.
Never underestimate the power of prayer! Jesus Himself tells us, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8).
Let us pray for you!
If you have a prayer request, or if you would like to participate in the ministry, please email Margie Hinrichsen at mhinrichson2017@gmail.com.