Praying with someone ‘on the spot’

By John and Therese Boucher
Special to The CFP
Sometimes, the opportunity to pray with someone “on-the-spot” will arise as we share our faith story or when someone shares a distressing problem. Don’t be afraid to invite that person into God’s presence through prayer. We don’t have to be someone special to do this. Blessed Solanus Casey (1870-1957), a Franciscan friar, was a simple porter (receptionist) in his friary in Michigan. Nevertheless, his compassionate care led thousands of people to come to him for prayer. Later, hundreds of people pointed to their encounters with Blessed Solanus as turning points in their faith.
Therese answered the door one day to find a young Jehovah’s Witness named Brenda, who wanted to come in and talk. And since Therese had been praying for an opportunity to witness, she said, “Sure, if you will answer one question for me after you share.”
“Okay,” was the answer. They got comfortable and Therese listened carefully. Then she asked her question: “Tell me, how did you decide to become a Jehovah’s Witness?”
“Well, I guess it all started when I was about twelve. I used to be Catholic until my grandmother died and the priest told my grandfather he couldn’t go to Communion at her funeral. My whole family stopped going to church after that,” explained Brenda. In response to all the pain and the perceived offense behind her story (whether it was correct or not), Therese said, “I am so sorry. On behalf of that priest and the Catholic Church, please forgive us.” Brenda burst into tears, so Therese offered to pray with her.
If an opportunity for prayer comes up, be sure to remain humble and gentle. Ask the person if you might pray with them about their situation. Then just talk to God out loud. “Jesus, please come and help ______. I know you love her. We place her situation in your hands, and we watch for your help.” Leave a moment for silence as well. Then conclude with an expression of gratitude and confidence. “Thank you, Lord, for hearing us and for helping ______. We know your loving kindness is without end.” If a serious concern has been expressed, you might follow up with a phone call, email, or text several days later.
If you feel uncomfortable making up your own prayers, feel free to pray a formal prayer slowly, like the “Our Father” or the “Hail Mary.” Finally, ask the person if they felt anything happening as you prayed, and listen carefully to the answer. Keep in mind that it is not the end of the world if someone refuses an invitation to pray, or if, when you pray with someone, and nothing discernable happens. You can bring your concern to God in prayer later on.
We once took a very long cab ride across the city of Detroit to visit the shrine of Blessed Solanus Casey. When the driver asked us our destination, he told us that he once had a relic of Blessed Solanus. It had been a great solace to him during many difficulties, but he had lost it one day when his wallet was stolen. After our visit to the shrine ended, we called for the same driver to bring us back to our hotel. During our return trip, we gave him a new Blessed Solanus relic. His response was to share on a deeper level, about an impending divorce.  Near the end of the ride, we asked if we could pray with him and then joined him in an “Our Father.”    
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phil. 4:6)

(This article was taken from the June 2020 issue of “The Word Among Us” magazine,  wau.org. Used with permission. The book “Sharing the Faith That You Love,” by John and Therese Boucher, from which these articles were adapted, is available at www.bookstore.wau.org.)