We never pray alone, says Pope Francis

“When we pray, we never do so alone: even if we do not think about it, we are immersed in a majestic river of invocations that precedes us and proceeds after us,” said Pope Francis.

His remarks came during a Wednesday general audience on April 7. The Holy Father continued his ongoing catechesis on prayer by speaking to the faithful about praying in communion with the saints.

“Each time we join our hands and open our hearts to God, we find ourselves in the company of anonymous saints and recognized saints who pray with us and who intercede for us as older brothers and sisters who have preceded us on this same human adventure. In the Church there is no grief that is borne in solitude, there are no tears shed in oblivion, because everyone breathes and participates in one common grace,” he explained.

Pope Francis also reminded us that the saints are not far away, but right here with us, surrounding us with their prayers and helping us by their example and intercession. We do not adore the saints—adoration is for God alone—but we look to their witness and imitate their example.

As part of the Church, the Holy Father reminds us to pray for one another: “To pray for others is the first way to love them and it moves us toward concretely drawing near.” He even encouraged us to pray for those with whom we have conflict, as prayer changes our hearts and attitudes and makes forgiveness possible.

Ashley Noronha, Relevant Radio Rome Correspondent, spoke about the Pope’s remarks on Morning Air. “When people open their hearts to God, they find themselves automatically in the company of the saints,” she said. “When we pray we end up multiplying our prayers, he said, because … these prayers are still propagated because they are propagated through the community of saints.”

So when you are facing a trial in live, ask the saints to pray for you! This invisible army is working for you to help you through life’s most difficult moments.


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Lindsey is a wife, mother, and contributing author at Relevant Radio. She holds a degree in Journalism and Advertising from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Lindsey enjoys writing, baking, and liturgical living with her young family.