This is God’s Work: The Power of Prayer
Video 3
Summary
Proclaiming the sanctity of life is a work that belongs to all of us, but it is primarily God's work. Explore how prayer is the foundation and cornerstone of a culture of life.
Scripture for Reflection
“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.’” (Mark 11:22-24)
“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
“‘Lord, why is it that we weren’t able to cast the demon out?’ and the Lord said, ‘This kind of demon can only be cast out by prayer and fasting.’” (Mark 9:29)
Reflection Questions
- Was there a word, phrase, or idea that resonated with me? That was new to me?
- In the video, Sister Virginia Joy, SV says, “Prayer is a personal relationship of love with the living God.” Is this how I experience prayer? What does prayer look like in my own life?
- Sister Virginia Joy also says, “God desires you, your prayer. He desires to live in you. There’s no one who can replace you.” Do I give God the time and space to gaze upon me and to reveal to me how he sees me? Pause for a moment and ask God to show you how he sees you.
- Do I trust that God cares about my life, my prayers, and the life of others? What are barriers that cause me to doubt God’s infinite care and power?
- Sister Virginia Joy observes, “There are many ways to pray for the cause of life … every [prayer] can be an act of love for those who are wounded by the culture of death and, ultimately, for Jesus who said, ‘As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’” How does hearing these words change my understanding of prayer and sacrifice? In what ways do I feel called to pray and offer sacrifice for others?
- Sister Virginia Joy shares, “Prayer means allowing our own hearts to be converted first, by opening ourselves in loving surrender to Christ. This is why prayer frees us from self-reliance and burnout… because we’re leaning our full weight on the God who created the cosmos, not on our own strength.” Are there areas of my life that I have not surrendered to God and in which I feel overly burdened or burned out? Imagine Jesus is sitting in front of me right now, reaching out to me, and inviting me to place all those things that burden me into his hands. Take a moment to hand over, one by one, all those areas of your life that you have not surrendered to him.
- Is there a fruit from my prayer that I would like to share with others?
Discussion Questions
- Is there a fruit from your prayer that you would like to share with others?
- Sister Maeve Nativitas, SV says, “Praying outside of an abortion clinic is about being a sidewalk contemplative at a modern day Calvary. We approach a clinic as we would approach Jesus hanging on the cross. … In a real, mystical way the crucified Jesus is there in the frightened hearts of the mothers and in the vulnerable lives of their children.” How do you understood the act of praying outside of an abortion clinic? What new ideas or insights does Sister Maeve Nativitas’ insight raise for you?
- Sister Virginia Joy says, “Proclaiming the sanctity of human life is a work that belongs to all of us but it is primarily God's work. We are his instruments; it's the Holy Spirit that moves and makes it all happen. … We can do nothing without him.” Is this your experience of pro-life work? How have you or can you allow God to work and speak through you?
- Do you ever feel burned out? In what areas of your life do you feel burned out? What are ways in which you try to counter burnout? How have you experienced prayer as an antidote burnout?
Videos
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1
Summoned To Life: Spiritual Foundations
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2
Seeing Reality: The Contemplative Outlook
God invites us to see ourselves, others, and the world differently. Learn what it means to cultivate a contemplative posture of heart that sees God present in all creation.
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3 - Active
This is God’s Work: The Power of Prayer
Proclaiming the sanctity of life is a work that belongs to all of us, but it is primarily God's work. Explore how prayer is the foundation and cornerstone of a culture of life.
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4
Vulnerability: An Identity Crisis
A woman who is unexpectedly pregnant may experience profound vulnerability. Ponder this reality and learn how genuine accompaniment can transform fear into hope.
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5
Hope and Fear: Understanding the Heart of a Pregnant Woman
A woman who knows she is loved can do anything. Learn more about the fears and hopes of a pregnant woman and how to genuinely accompany her.
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6
Exodus from Fear: Accompanying Her to Life
A woman struggling with the reality of her pregnancy needs someone who believes in her and in her goodness. Explore how genuine accompaniment creates the space a woman needs to make a truly free choice in love.
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7
Rejoicing in Her: Our Disposition of Heart
Do we see the person before us as a project or as a beloved daughter of God with her own dreams and her own destiny? Reflect on the three essential dispositions of the heart needed to accompany a person in crisis: prayer, leisure, and delight.
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8
Maternity is Forever: Hope and Healing After Abortion
Abortion can lead to a deep sense of loss and to profound emotional, spiritual, psychological, and relational pain. Explore how abortion affects the heart of a woman and how to accompany her on the journey of healing.
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9
Maternity is Forever: Adoption
Adoption can be a beautiful choice when it emerges organically in the heart of a woman. Learn more about adoption, and the tremendous discernment, maturity, and strength it requires.
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10
Listening a Person into Life: The Art of Being Present
Listening is a unique set of skills that demonstrate we understand a person’s thoughts and feelings. Reflect on the power of listening in the work of accompanying another person.
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11
Listening a Person into Life: How to Listen Well
Good listening allows us to hear what another person is really saying without applying the filter of our own experience, judgment, values, and needs. Explore the process of active listening, the five levels of listening, and common barriers to listening.
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12
Listening a Person into Life: Reflective Listening
In reflective listening we act as a mirror for the other person, helping her to uncover what is really in her heart. Explore the power of reflective listening in the process of accompaniment.