United in prayer

It was a beautiful sunny day. We went on a trip to the nearby Bonn. After an errand we had to run there and an outdoor lunch, we visited the beautiful botanical garden (highly recommended!). Since I had never been to Bonn before, we decided to take a short walk through the city center. We passed a very special Catholic-looking church. The interior was different from any other church I had seen so far. We stood in front of the open entrance, which could only be reached via stairs – one of the many obstacles for a wheelchair user. But while we were standing there a little hesitant, we got a surprise because we were approached by a helper from the church who gave us barrier-free access! So, we were able to admire the church from the inside and were again approached by a helper who explained a few things to us.

At some point during the conversation, however, I got the impression that this helper was not in good health.

I gathered the courage to ask him about it. I have to admit that sitting in a wheelchair helps me in such cases, because it makes my counterpart more open in a way, as I don’t meet him as someone who is sporty, athletic and fit when it comes to health, but as someone whose condition clearly shows that she also has to carry her own baggage. He told me – I’ll call him Kurt – that he had cancer and that the prognosis was anything but good.

Following an inner impulse, I asked him if I could pray for him. Kurt said yes. And so, I entrusted him and his situation to the only one who is able to change it, who can give comfort. I noticed, that Kurt was deeply moved by the prayer. He had been a guide and helper in this church for a long time and said: “I have experienced a lot here, but this was something special.”

This encounter touched me deeply and I pondered it for a long time. Kurt and I came from completely different Christian beliefs systems, I suppose. And yet we were connected for the minutes of our conversation and prayer.

How much good could happen on earth if we as Christians would move together towards the One who matters – God the Father and Jesus Christ – who unites us through the Holy Spirit, even if we live our faith differently in theological details.

I would like to see more of that!