When you're in a tough place, you may want to take some time to pray for wisdom and strength. You may want to include someone in your prayer who is also struggling with a difficult issue. You may also want to pray for the people who are helping those in need, such as those who are chaplains.
Prayers for Carol Garlow
Carol Garlow is an example of the power of prayer. A terminally ill woman, she has experienced every possible advance in cancer treatments and survived for six months. She and her family are praising the Resurrected Lord. In addition to her work as a church pastor, Carol serves as the pastor of prayer at Skyline Church. It's been a challenge for Carol to relinquish the leadership role she held for years.
The family is in need of prayer and support while they adjust to their new homeschooling routine. Their son John will be starting back at work at the church, and they are looking for a helper in South Sudan. Keith and Lisa will continue serving in Gulu and other areas of Uganda.
Prayers for Michael C.
The Leonine Prayers are prayers recited after the Low Mass. They were ordered by Pope Leo XIII to defend the independence of the Holy See. However, when he was no longer able to defend the Holy See from temporal and political attack, the prayers were replaced with those addressed to Saint Michael.
Prayers for tornado victims
Pope Benedict XVI has expressed his sadness over the tornadoes that have hit the Southern United States and has offered prayers for wisdom and strength for the victims and their families. He also offered his support to relief and rebuilding efforts. While the church is not able to help the victims directly, we can pray for them and offer financial support to help them recover from their trauma.
Archbishop Dolan has appointed a task force of bishops to evaluate the needs of the impacted dioceses and allocate funds accordingly. As part of this effort, the Knights of Columbus in Alabama are encouraging members to contribute to the relief effort. Members can volunteer to set up kitchens or connect with pastors in their areas. The state deputy of the Knights, Ray Carney, has encouraged Knights to respond with both manpower and material support.
Prayers for chaplains
Chaplains need prayer for wisdom and strength to minister God's Word. They must be honest about their own spiritual journey, and they must have a strong prayer life. They should be able to spend time with God, talking deeply and confidently. They must also read the Bible. The Holy Spirit will lead them to a high view of Scripture.
As chaplains, we are often in the most lonely position of a unit. Therefore, we should ask God for wisdom and strength to help us weather the storms of life. Chaplains must be flexible enough to compromise with the needs of others, while placing the patient's needs first.
Prayer is a powerful human connection. It cuts through the superficiality of acquaintanceship and the layers of defensiveness that we often develop in friendship. Chaplains may also choose to read a poem or reflection to accompany their prayer. Sometimes, poems or reflections are not exactly prayers, but they are indistinguishable from them.
