Where Did My Prayer Request Go?
By Karen Gladstone and Br. John
At some point in our lives we have all probably said or written (or in this day of social media and technology “posted” or texted) to a friend something similar to “prayers for quick recovery,” or when we know someone who passes away we have said to their family, “our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.” The internet is blanketed with such comments on a daily basis. In reality we can’t begin to know which of those thoughts and prayers were ultimately offered up to a higher power and which were well-intentioned comforting words but never really happened. Not for lack of caring or sympathy or love, mind you, but just maybe the person was distracted or sidetracked or just wasn’t sure how to best send up those prayers. For many of us, it’s reassuring to have additional help to get our message out there: “up there.”
Thankfully for many of us, to the Monks and Nuns of New Skete, praying is as natural as breathing. They pray for people, for animals, for the world−every day. Just as visitors to New Skete from all over the country and beyond are welcomed, so too are prayer requests received throughout the year. It seems that regardless of religion, socio-economic status, race, orientation, ethnicity, or geographic location, most everyone could use a prayer at some point. Requests for “prayer intentions” (prayers with a specific focus) are received at New Skete through the mail, email, phone calls, and in person. Prayers are requested for one’s self, friends, family members, animals, the planet, strangers, or those in crisis half a world away. While there are no hard and fast “rules,” most common prayer requests are for healing, good health, life struggles such as addiction, and financial circumstances. Additionally, prayers in memory of those who have died are also prevalent. The monastics are happy to provide prayers as one of the many ways they contribute to the world and help to bring peace and peace of mind.
It made me wonder….Just what happens to a prayer request after it’s made? Br. John, one of New Skete’s founding brothers, happily answers my (seemingly endless) questions. His answers are paraphrased below.
Br. John, once someone requests prayers, what actually happens to the requests?
A request goes on a list of names of people to be prayed for. Lists are posted in many areas, including the large memo board in the busy hub where the Monks’ mailboxes are (which the Monks pass several times a day), on the memo board in the church sacristy, and on the church altar.
When does the need get prayed for?
As the Monks and Nuns go about their daily work and activities and see the posted names of those in need of prayers, they are reminded… “God, please remember….” So, a prayer for you or your loved one is said by several Monks and Nuns many times throughout the day.
Daily in church during morning and evening services (Matins and Vespers), a designated Monk silently reads each name on the list and prays to God to remember that person.
On Sundays in church during Liturgy, the deacon or another Monk silently reads each name on the list and prays to God to remember that person. Particles of communion are also put on the altar to commemorate those receiving prayers.
Some monastics have a permanent list of those they pray for weekly, which they do during their personal time.
Who says the prayers?
The Monks, the Nuns, and those in attendance at services, including chapel community members—all join in the prayer led by the priest.
For how long? Minutes? Days?
Prayers could be as simple as “God, please remember ...” or it could be a longer prayer. The prayer could be said once or many times. Depending on the circumstances and what the prayers are for (ongoing illness, sudden injury, death, ongoing health, safety) prayers may be said once or for days, weeks, or even months.
Why are only the first names of people used when listing requests?
It’s always been that way – a tradition. Our first name, ideally the baptismal name--is recognized in the liturgical context by the whole parish or evident to all present. The priest, not only at baptism but at all sacraments and at communion pronounces the first name only. There seems to be a feeling of closeness--maybe because all, living and deceased, are present, more intimate, especially during liturgy and prayer when not in "worldly" time. When listing monastics and bishops in the directory, the last name is customarily in brackets: we/they have left the birth family circles and are dedicated to the people of God in a different way. When there is a list created by people in attendance, whoever put a name on it will recognize the name(s) when it is mentioned. Otherwise I think it can be appropriate to use the last name when needed for clarity. In Isaiah and Revelation, God knows and addresses us by our individual, not family, name.
Where do prayers happen?
Anywhere the Monks and Nuns are: Church, outdoors, working, meals—anywhere.
Is it the same prayer for everyone?
Depends on the Monk or Nun; just ask them.
For anyone who would like to request prayers or for more information, please send to Karen Gladstone at karengladstone@newskete.org or mail to:
New Skete Monasteries
PO Box 128
Cambridge, NY 12816
