Easter

'We've seen prayer change lives'

By Deacon Steve & Peg VandeHey

	A Compass series

When our kids were little, they played with toys called "transformers." These toys could be changed from cars into robots. While people do not change to such a degree, many lives are transformed through the power of prayer.

A classic example of the impact of prayer on transforming lives is Norma McCorvey. Norma was "Jane Roe" in the infamous Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion in 1973. Since that event, and the loss of millions of lives of unborn children, Norma McCorvey had an incredible transformation.

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Through the prayers of many, many people - Norma had a change of heart, and has become pro-life and faith-filled.

We had the chance to meet her and shake her hand. In the media, her appearance seemed hardened. While there was still a glimmer of that, it was evident that her whole being was softened, and that God, in his mercy, had touched her heart and transformed her inside and outside. Here is someone many people might have given up on, but her turnaround displays the power of prayer, and proves that nothing is impossible with God. Prayer works!

Through the Cursillo movement, we have seen some incredible transformations in people's lives because of the impact of prayer. When we meet in "group reunions" (gatherings after the weekend experience), many people share how much their lives have changed due to a re-energized prayer life, which has transformed marriages and families. Cursillo has been one catalyst for us to share faith and prayer with others.

One way that works for us is to pray the church's Liturgy of the Hours together. Recognizing that the whole church is praying these same prayers throughout the world is enlivening, and we are joined to that experience giving praise and thanks to God. This habit of prayer has become life-giving for building our relationship with God and each other, further transforming our marriage.

In response to God's love and mercy, we accept the mission of our Lord to transform our world. Sharing scripture and prayer as a couple is very intimate and deepens our understanding of each other through our love for God.

Prayer has helped us discern God's will in our lives, as we face life decisions. Deepening our relationship with our Lord opens our hearts to know God's will for us. Listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit in our everyday living has moved us to take leaps of faith without knowing why - cancel a trip, make a phone call, drive a different way, leave a much-loved job, slow down on the highway, send a card - all leading a greater good than we could imagine.

We remain connected together with the world as we offer intercessory prayers. Responding to God's love has helped us reach out to those who suffer or are in need, continually transforming our attitude, and being in solidarity with our brothers in sisters in Christ.

(The VandeHeys are members of St. Mary of the Annunciation Parish, Kaukauna.)