FAITH MATTERS
We should never underestimate the power of prayer to help those in need
In a country and world wracked by suffering, faith in God can help bring about change, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie
By Gerard Bergie Contributing Columnist
January 27, 2024
From my earliest days, I have always wanted to help people. Perhaps this is one of the reasons I was drawn to my vocation.
There are so many ways that we can help others. Financial assistance often comes to mind in these economically challenging times. We can also benefit others with our labour, our words, and our time. One area that we can easily overlook is how can we assist others with our prayers.
We know that Jesus was a man who helped others. Many people would come to him, hoping that he would bring healing to their lives. This is why Jesus was often surrounded by crowds.
In the Gospel of Mark, we are told that Jesus was in a house that was filled with so many people that it was impossible to enter through the door. This significant fact did not stop a small group who wanted to see Jesus.
“Then some people came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. And when they could not bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and after having dug through it, they let down the mat on which the paralytic lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Child, your sins are forgiven.’” (Mark 2:3-5)
What a beautiful example of the good that comes from bringing a person in need to the Lord. It is interesting to note that Jesus did not comment on the ingenuity of this group. He acknowledged something much greater. The passage states that when Jesus saw ‘their faith,’ he then healed the man. Great things happen when we bring others to Jesus.
Intercessory prayer is bringing persons or situations to the Lord. When we offer prayers with faith, God listens.
What does it mean to pray with faith?
It is to have the same attitude as the four who carried their friend on the stretcher. They brought this man to Jesus because they believed that he would be healed. Even when faced with a formidable obstacle, they did not give up and found a different way.
To go to Jesus with hope should be our first response. Unfortunately, for some, it is the last resort. When all our efforts seemed to have failed, we turn to God with the attitude, ‘what else can I do?'
If we go to God first, then we will see a way forward. We will not become discouraged by the obstacles and will believe that all things are possible with God. With this attitude, we can come to the aid of others.
There are many situations and people today who need our help. Are we praying?
At the present moment, a number of communities are overwhelmed by homelessness. Capable people in government and service organizations have tried to deal with this situation. Are we praying for a solution and bringing those who suffer to God?
War continues to rage in Ukraine, Gaza and other areas of our world. There are countless victims with no concrete plans to end the hostilities. Are we praying for peace and for the victims of war and terrorism?
The number of migrants in the world is growing. People are fleeing turmoil in their homelands and seeking safety and a better life. Many suffer on this journey and some even lose their lives. Are we helping with our prayers?
In all these areas, we can assist financially, diplomatically, and by our advocacy and good works.
One thing that we should never underestimate is the power of prayer. It brings help and hope to so many in our world. From our lips to God’s ears!