Distress and a Prayer Tribe

Late one night a few weeks ago, as I struggled to be at peace with some situations with my family, I neared despair. I had been praying for weeks for these particular struggles, but was feeling like a balloon with all the air expelled. I had lost sleep, awakened by my pounding heart and fears flying wild and free. My chest squeezed with tension and my mind raced. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, I called on my friends to help lift my intentions toward heaven. In return, I received sweet words, scripture quotes, and motherly advice, all of which I desperately needed to elevate me and help my heart rest on Our Lord. And that night, as a result of my friend’s pleas and God’s grace, my body and soul were finally able to relax, trust, and rest.

Minimizing the impact of prayer and the tremendous change it can stir in our hearts, we often neglect praying for the mundane and taxing daily struggles. Seeking extra prayers in difficult times, especially the more private struggles, is another area we tend to negate or shy away from, fearing exposure or breach of confidentiality. Reaching out to those near to us as troubles arise, asking for their utters to heaven, is life-giving. When we are downtrodden and near exhaustion, our friends can issue the words we cannot form. Our companions are our mouth when our hearts have sank and our soul seeks rest. Friends process our troubles and needs and specifically ask for aid in ways we cannot. They see our pain more clearly than we who are suffering and tremble and cry out for us.

Wise Saint Teresa of Calcutta has been quoted saying, “Our Lady did nothing else at Cana but think of the needs of others and make those needs known to Jesus.” Our friends support us by bringing our needs to Our Lord, placing our petitions at His feet. It is imperative that we humble ourselves and reach out, sharing our needs and desire for heavenly aid through the intercession of those who love us and are faithful as well. God is always near, watching over us and calling us to turn to Him. We beckon His aid in an even deeper and more desperate and freeing way through the pleas of our friends. The depth of their love calling on the love of God in heaven is poignant.

So, the next time Satan grips you and you find yourself wrapped in anxiety, worry, anger, or distress, summon your comrades for prayers. Prayers for your intentions and prayers for you. Humbly ask them to support you on your journey with prayers uttered heavenward.

St. Paul instructs us in this way, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.” James 5:16. Then, exclaim a prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of those you call friends.

Call to Act: Who can you call on for prayers? Who do you turn to in your time of need? Who do you know who has the gift of intercessory prayer, a seemingly direct line to God? Who is your prayer tribe? I encourage you to make a list and call on them. Ask yourself if there is a situation you have been struggling with that you need to ask for prayers for from your friends.

St. Jude, intercede for us as we lift your prayers to heaven. Ask our Lord to offer us aid and relief from our trials and suffering. Beg him to give us the courage to always turn toward Him. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Saint Jude

St. Jude is well known for his intercession for impossible causes. According to the Bible, St. Jude was the brother of St. James the Less. This beloved apostle began his life as one of Jesus’ twelve Apostles. Performing many miracles and spreading the gospel alongside St. Simon, he grew the early Church. St. Jude died a martyr. His faith and hope have been inspiring Christians for centuries. Many Christians turn to him to take their seemingly hopeless petitions to Our Lord, pleading on their behalf. Read more about him here.

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=127