Intercessory prayer works

One thing that never ceases to surprise me in seminary formation is just how many people are praying for seminarians. I think when one is in the midst of writing papers and studying for exams, it can narrow the focus of formation to completing a to-do list. While it’s helpful to submit work on time, it is important for me to recall the bigger picture of formation, that I am being formed to serve Christ and his Church.   

A beautiful thing about discernment is that there are so many people who assist me with this process. As I reflect on my discernment journey, it always humbles me when I have a conversation with someone or receive a letter from someone who tells me they’ve been praying for me. People have very busy lives. To hear them say that they take time to remember me in prayer, in addition to saying “thank-you,” it puts into perspective what I am called to: loving God above all and others as myself.  

Without the prayers of those who will the good for me, I would not be in seminary formation now. When I previously discerned out of seminary formation, I was grateful for my experiences, but I felt it was not what I was called to. When I re-entered formation this fall, I realized that before my response to God’s call was “ok, I will go.” And now my response to God’s call was, “yes, I want to go.” I would not have this insight if it were not for all of you praying for vocations.  

For example, I have had conversations with people who mentioned that they have been praying for me to recognize my vocation ever since I initially left seminary. They saw something in me that I did not. I was not aware of many of these people until I began formation again. Their charity is so inspiring to me, like a gift freely given of which I did not merit. Along with God’s grace, I truly believe that the power of intercessory prayer is the reason my discernment journey has led back to seminary.  

This intercessory prayer is paramount to building up the body of Christ’s Church and supporting one another. While many people have been praying for me, I also have time set aside in formation to pray for members of this body. One recent fruit in prayer was praying for an individual by name, and later that day, receiving a photo of that same individual holding onto my diocesan prayer card. This individual had not requested prayers from me and had no idea I was praying for him; the timing of everything seemed too perfect to be just a coincidence. I attributed this situation to a reminder from God that prayers are heard and answered.  

In my discernment journey, it has been such a blessing to meet so many members of the faithful in parishes across the diocese and throughout the country. Countless interactions with people have made an impact on my formation. These interactions greatly inspire me to grow in my own spiritual life. It brings me profound joy and hope when I am able to witness Christ working in others. To realize that we are all in this together and all of us are called to support one another in our respective capacities has been so inspiring in my own prayer life.  

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all who have prayed for vocations. I would not be writing this article today if it were not for your prayers. If there is any way I can reciprocate by praying for special intentions, I am happy to be of service. My goal is to share with others what has been so freely given to me: Christ’s love.