Over her many years as Nativity Prayer Line co-chair, Bette Hoffman has kept a book of prayer requests that have come over the phone. It’s actually a steno pad, with thousands of special intentions captured in her lovely cursive writing. First names—or no names—to respect privacy, Bette’s book is the essence of a mighty ministry at Nativity.
Bette is an original member of the Prayer Line, which was started by parishioner Dot Horwath, now deceased, around 1983. Dot had heard about a prayer chain at St. Odilia in Shoreview, and thought Nativity needed one, too. Other early members include co-chair Mary Kay O’Rourke, Ann Wieswig, Marcella Cady, Marie Sperl, Mary Kay McQuade and Maureen McTeague.
The concept is simple: Anyone may call in a prayer request or special intention, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., to Mary Kay or Bette. In response, the co-chairs dial out to Prayer Line members, numbering about 30 today. New members are always welcome, with standing rules only to pray for God’s will vs. specific outcomes, and to be discreet. This is a strict rule, to honor the ministry and those using it.
While no particular prayers are assigned, this one from Everyday and All Day Catholic Prayers (edited by Leonard Foley, S.J.)  is a favorite of Mary Kay and Bette:

“Lord, your life on Earth was filled with concern for the sick. Have compassion now on all who share your pain. Give them healing of mind and body, restore their strength and spirit.

“May they be comforted by the knowledge that we are praying for them and have peace by a sense of your presence. Amen.” 

The Prayer Line averages between 150 and 200 requests per year, mostly centered on the sorrows and joys of life: health, relationships, faith, and financial security. But special intentions also reflect the times, with many requests in 2020 to pray for the state of the world and for those affected directly and indirectly by COVID-19.
So that the Prayer Line is always available to those who need it, an option may be added at some point to submit prayer requests online. But Mary Kay and Bette said they would expect the ministry to retain its personal touch. “When people are in need of prayers,” Bette said, “It’s nice to hear a human voice.”

PRAYER LINE INFO
To make a prayer request, or to join the Prayer Line—new members are always welcome—call Bette Hoffman at 651-699-8249 or Mary Kay O’Rourke at 651-698-5638 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

NCCW member Patricia McMorrow has been a Prayer Line member since 1994.