Kaukauna Catholic Parishes

THE POWER OF PRAYER AND THE ABUNDANCE OF GOD’S GENEROSITY

God’s blessings! The Psalm verses this weekend emphasize the power of PRAYER: “The eyes of all look hopefully to you. The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.” We also hear, “Let all your works give you thanks, O Lord.” The Psalm refrain says, “The hand of the Lord feeds us: he answers all our needs.”

I am sure we all have examples of the power of prayer. I have witnessed or been made very aware of some incredible experiences of healing associated directly with prayer. Some of our grandchildren were healed from food intolerances that used to have an impact on their lives and the lives of their families. Prayer has been an integral part of women in unexpected pregnancies to choose life and save the life of an unborn child. I have been privileged to see other physical and emotional healing, which unleashes a sense of freedom in people’s lives. (The Green Bay Diocese offers a 4-night program on healing prayer in August at St. Thomas More in Appleton.)

Our Kaukauna Catholic Parishes have several prayer chains that are operating now and have a long history. Prayer requests for our prayer teams can be given to Amy or Cheryl at the parish office (766-1445) or sent by e-mail (office@kaucp.org). And, if any of you have ever experienced a “Cursillo” weekend, you know their powerful prayer chain reaches hundreds of people every day.

Eucharistic Adoration is the perfect time for prayer very close to Jesus, in an environment that minimizes distractions. Adoration is available on Mondays at Holy Cross, Tuesdays at SKD – St. Mary, and Wednesdays at SKD – St. Francis. We thank all our prayer warriors at Adoration and among our prayer chains. There are also some helpful APPS for your phone that help with prayer, including Laudate - although I am sure there are others. Relevant Radio also provides some opportunities. Some people find EWTN television quite helpful.

I have heard it said, “Watch what you pray for, and you might get it.” The point is, perhaps, we need to pray that God provides an answer to prayer, not us telling God what to do. We may do this more than we realize. Matthew Kelly suggests we ask God what he wants of us, not the other way around. Through the power of prayer, many people have the grace to endure the process of dying and other setbacks. 

As a faith community, we offer prayers of intercession at every Mass or funeral service. Within all of this, God asks us to trust in his generosity. He is a God who is deeply in love with each of us.  

Today’s readings emphasize God’s abundant love. Both the Old Testament reading from Kings and the Gospel from John mention specifically that “when everyone had eaten, there was food leftover.” The Loaves and Fishes experience is a powerful Gospel, which appears in all four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. It is not common for stories to appear in all four Gospels. The Gospel states Jesus gave THANKS. The Greek word for thanksgiving is Eucharist. The gift of the Eucharist must never be taken for granted. 

St. Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians challenges us “to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility, gentleness and patience, striving for unity and peace.” Through prayer and having faith in God’s abundant generosity may we be missionary disciples of Jesus, the one who came into the world sharing his compassion and love with others.  

Blessings,

Deacon Steve