The Power of Prayer: Personal Testimony

The Power of Prayer

Personal Testimony

Written by Michael Pavano

Everyone is at least somewhat familiar with prayer, the idea of connecting with God through conversation. It could be a recited prayer, a prayer of petition, or just a little "Howdy God" in the middle of the day. Whatever prayer looks like to you, developing a strong prayer life is one of the most important things you will do in your spiritual life. Developing my prayer life is always on my mind, and though it is a work in progress, God is leading me in the right direction. In this way, I will develop a stronger relationship with Him. This is the primary purpose of prayer. You can't have a relationship without good communication. This will be a central topic in a future post on prayer, but for today, I would like to share just some of those times in my life when I have seen the power of prayer, in particular prayer for petitions, work in my life and in the lives of those around me.

Perseverance in Prayer

Before I begin, I think it's important to share a story of two Saints that always comes to my mind when I think of this person. Saints Monica and her son Saint Augustine are prime examples of the power of prayer. I will give a shortened version of the story but I encourage you to read the full details when you have the chance. Saint Monica was a devout Christian in the early 300's married to a non-Christian who mocked her Faith. Her son, now Saint Augustine, was also a non-Christian who was very lost and in need of God. Saint Monica prayed for them and prayed and prayed. Her husband converted a year before his death and Saint Augustine converted at the age of 31. Saint Monica was persistent in her prayer and was reminded many times that all things come in God's timing. 

It is no secret that I  am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend St. Paul's Elementary School through grade 8. I was able to receive an amazing education all while laying a strong foundation for my spiritual life. Every morning, all of us students from the smallest preschoolers to the biggest eighth graders would gather in the gymnasium for morning announcements and prayer. The school principal would call upon each grade and would ask if anyone had a special intention that they would like the school to pray for. I knew just who I wanted to pray for and every staff and student in that school for almost 6 years prayed for this person. 

Lucy (For the purpose of protecting this person's identity/privacy, I am using a different name), a family member, struggled with drug and alcohol addictions, self-esteem issues, and so much more for far too long. She seemed already lost and would eventually either end up in prison forever or be killed. After a terrible accident, Lucy's life was forever changed. She had a child and acquired a very well paying job. She became free of the trappings of addiction and now lives a healthy productive life. All of those persistent prayers from the hearts of children helped in God leading her back towards the right path. 

Healing through Tragedy

A few years ago, my uncle passed away. It was unexpected and tragic. Unsurprisingly, my grandmother was hit the hardest by his death. She was also greatly struggling with back pain that was unbearable for her. She and I began talking regularly after his passing as I tried to help her through it. She mostly just wanted someone to listen to her. We prayed for her as often as we could, and I felt God leading me toward something that would help her. Catholic Underground in Cromwell just happened to be only a few miles from my grandmother's house, so I invited her to attend with me. She agreed and attended. 

As worship came to an end, I noticed my grandmother was still in prayer and was staring at an image. I approached her and she began to cry as she said something was in that image looking at her. I told her that I would pray with her. She continued to cry as the priest walked by and noticed her. He asked what was wrong and she shared her story. She said that she felt that God had abandoned her and she didn't think she could deal with the pain anymore. He got down on his knees and told her that he thinks that she had been choosing to deal with this pain alone. She had not been asking God to help her carry this burden. She needed to put the pain in His loving hands. She admitted that he was right and that she was choosing to face this without Him. A look of relief came upon her face and she thanked him for his advice and kind words. 

The next day, my grandmother called me and sounded much more cheerful than she had the day before. She said that the pain in her back was gone suddenly. God worked through our prayers and through the priest to heal my grandmother in a way only God can. 

The Works of the Great Physician

Last but not least. I would like to tell of our story. For those who have not heard or read about our son Daniel, he was born with the conditions called Esophageal Atresia and Tracheaomalacia. Basically, his esophagus was not connected at birth and was attached to his trachea requiring surgery to correct it. Brandy and I did not know before Daniel was born that he had these conditions, so of course, we were quite shocked when he was choking as he tried to eat for the first time outside the womb. Immediately we called for reinforcements. Daniel was baptized on the same day he was born by our priest, and he was prayed for by thousands of wonderful people from all different churches. These were answered prayers, each and every one. 

We stayed in the hospital for another 5 weeks as Daniel recovered from the surgery and learned to drink from a bottle. We learned that his condition could have been far worse. He could have been in the hospital for many more weeks. This happens to many of the children born with this condition. They have to wait for the esophagus to grow before having the surgery. Daniel was also born exactly on his due date which is another miracle, most are born premature. These are just some of the miracles. 

Daniel was first treated by Connecticut Children's Medical Center but is now being treated by Boston Children's Hospital for some additional symptoms of his condition. Both teams have been amazing gifts to us as God used them to heal our son. Though his journey is not over, he has come so very far and so have we. 

The true miracle of prayer, I believe, is that it gives us yet another opportunity to connect with and receive graces from our Beloved God. God strengthened Brandy and I even as we grew tired and frustrated with the bumps along the way. God helped us cling to each other, to our loved ones, and to Him instead of pushing everyone away. That support is God's beautiful grace here among us. It's His power on the Earth. 

There is true power in prayer, and though we may not always understand or sometimes even accept what God does with our prayers, He is hearing them; He is listening. May we never cease to pray for God's grace to come into all areas of our lives, and the lives of those around us. God bless you always. Lord we love You! Amen!