Your Prayer Chaplains Answer

What is the most “unexpected blessing” you’ve received from your service as a Prayer Chaplain?

When I look back, the thing that still WOW’s me is how, when asked, God has always answered!!
— Kim Kirkendoll

....the privilege of hearing the joys as well as the sorrows.....
— Marian Fix

…that I actually can pray with someone and make a deep spiritual connection with people I may not even "know" and that I feel the benefit in me at the same time.
— Larry Derksen

I discovered "I am capable."
— Rochele LaCosse

When making my Wellness Calls recently, one couple told me I always know exactly what to say in my prayers, and they give them comfort and clarity.  I told them the words come from God - I am just the messenger.  Their gratitude makes me know that God has me in exactly the right place for his work.
— Breigh Hartenfeld

The most unexpected blessings I've received from serving as a Prayer Chaplain are that my professional business life has begun to soar, and my facial muscles seem to be getting stronger every day from smiling so much.
— Michael Funk

I felt called to become a prayer chaplain so that I could give service to others. My "unexpected blessing" is that I have received much, much more from this opportunity. This program has been one of my greatest gifts.
— Janey Timm-Dawes

Every moment of service as a Chaplain is filled with the "unexpected". As Forrest Gump’s mother said, "Life is like a box of chocolates--you never know what you’re going to get". The one constant is that it will be a blessing for all parties concerned. Even after being a Chaplain for so long, I am still blessed and still amazed at this process called prayer.
— Jane Norde

Frequently, the prayer requests I receive from congregants are those same prayers I, too, desire for my own spiritual journey.  We all truly are "one"! 
— Kay Hoke

My "unexpected blessing" has been the congregants on my monthly Wellness Call list: they are a joy in my life, and an honor to serve.
— Frank Tedesco

What Is Forgiveness?

Forgiveness is RELEASE; I release the other person, I release myself. I do not RE-lease, take the “contract” out all over again to read it and re-read it; I release all things to God; I let go.
— Frank Tedesco

Spirit has no need to forgive, as Spirit sees only the good. I now choose to forgive everyone and everything from any harsh word or personal activity from which I may have felt hurt. I see the God-Love in everyone I meet, I see them surrounded with radiant Divine Light.
— Kay Hoke

To forgive is merely to remember only the loving thoughts you gave in the past, and those that were given to you. All the rest must be forgotten. (From A Course in Miracles)
— Larry Derksen

Forgiveness: I release and I let go, Let Spirit fill my Soul. Being able to forgive is soul-cleansing.
— Cecilia Casillas

Forgiveness is letting go of past anger and resentment and turning that into peace for yourself by taking back the power the person you are forgiving held over you.
— Breigh Hartenfeld

Forgiveness is an "inside" job.
— Jane Norde

Holding a grudge is like drinking poison, hoping that you will hurt the other person. Releasing a grudge is a freeing gift you give yourself!
— Dawn Barnett

Forgiveness = Understanding: to step into someone else's shoes to truly understand what they are going through or have gone
through.
— Kim Kirkendoll

Forgiveness - The Spirit of God moving through me as love: cleansing, healing and renewing.
— Bertie Farrell

Forgiveness is a continuous process. It allows you to open space to receive your good. It does not condone what was done, it does not allow it to have power over you.
— Mary Dunn

No forgiveness sucks the life out of you; forgiveness restores life with love, joy and peace.
— Scharlene DeHorney

What Is Prayer?

“MY time speaking to God, letting His spirit fill my soul and mind.”
— Cecilia Casillas

“It is the bread for my (sandwich) life. It is the only connection I have instantaneously and it always works.”
— Rochele LaCosse

“Prayer is a way offered by the Holy Spirit to reach God, not merely to ask for things or solutions but, rather, to receive what is already given. Prayer is an offering; a giving up of yourself to be at one with Love.”
— Larry Derksen

“Prayer for me is a profound connection with the Divine Presence; and, a clear KNOWING that I have been HEARD, and my prayer WILL be answered in Divine Timing and Divine Order.”
— Kay Hoke

“A form of poetry where we seek to make sense of life, and go beyond the rational and logical to something more meaningful, beautiful & powerful.”
— Diane McComb

“Prayer is your desire to open your heart to the Creator, combined with God's invitation to His presence in your life. It is a gift.”
— Breigh Hartenfeld

“Quietly asking God for answers and then listening…be still and know.”
— Jane Norde

“Prayer is a sacred connection with God as our divine source in ALL areas of our lives. Prayer is personal and has no rules, as God loves us unconditionally and hears ALL prayers.”
— Marian Fix

“Prayer is communing with my soul.”
— Michael Funk

“Prayer is my personal time with the Christ Spirit within. It is also a time to listen for guidance.”
— Mary Dunn