Covered in prayer.

A mere Christian friend of mine is starting a new ministry at her church – a prayer ministry. We have discussed it at length this past week while we’ve been doing our daily walks. She is forming groups who will pray for those attending services at her church while the services are going on. I thought that was novel and asked her why do such a thing. “To pray for the visitors and new members that the Spirit would take root in them, to pray for everyone that they get something from sermon, basically just to cover everyone in prayer,” she said. What a contrast that is to our worship where the Mass is prayer. Still, I wonder how many of us consciously pray for new-comers and visitors, or if those intentions are expressed in the prayers of the faithful. Or even for those whose hearts are not touched by faith. The next time you go to Mass you might be standing next to a saint on earth or someone whose faith has become luke warm. Pray for them regardless! And when you get to the Sign of Peace don’t turn to them and say “Howdy!” Greet them with warmth and say, “Peace BE with you!” We are saying in essence “may Christ’s peace abide in you” or “may you know Christ’s peace” or “may you live in Christ’s peace.” That is a tremendous blessing we give each other in four words. Think of that the next time you are at Mass. It is He who is Peace who wants us to share His peace in prayer and action in our parishes. We have numerous opportunities to minister to each other and share Christ’s peace, in smalls ways and big ways. Let’s be mindful of that in our daily lives.