Catholic journalist is looking for answered prayers of all varieties

Special to the WCR
Bathurst, N.B.

A Catholic journalist in Atlantic Canada is looking for people who have had their prayers answered for a book on the subject of prayer.

James Risdon, a former daily newspaper reporter and community newspaper editor, is launching a Canada-wide appeal for examples of answered prayers.

The 48-year-old Bathurst, N.B., resident himself prays regularly and believes many of his own prayers have been answered.

"I've already seen and heard of miraculous cures," said Risdon. "At a Roman Catholic healing Mass, I once saw a woman who had been unable to use her legs for many years suddenly get up and walk across the room after a priest prayed and laid his hands on her."

Although miraculous recoveries are among the most spectacular answers to prayers, Risdon says that he's not just looking for signs or miracles.

"I'm looking for faith in action," he said. "Many people turn to prayer to decide what they should or shouldn't do. They give thanks to God for what they have.

"They intercede for others - people who may be sick or have simply lost their way.

Life changing

"When God answers a person's prayer, that can change their life regardless of whether or not there's been any sort of sign."

With these stories, Risdon is hoping to publish a book, whose working title is Answered Prayers: Listening to God and His Plan for Our Lives, to inspire and encourage others in their own prayer lives.

"I'm hoping Catholics from throughout the country will write to me with their stories," he said.

Stories can be sent to: Answered Prayers, PO Box 330, Bathurst, NB, E2A 3Z2.

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