Public prayer demonstrations in a sometimes hostile world

[victrolatim]

I was contemplating joining in on some of the public prayer demonstrations in my area. Nothing very protest-like, basically just groups of Catholics praying with a few visible signs. A church near me does Mass one Friday a month, followed by a procession to the local abortion clinic where they pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet. Another group is very similar but does so at the gay “pride” parade. I’ve seen these groups (especially the folks outside the abortion clinic) and I always try to show them my support, a honk, a thumbs up, yelling “God Bless You!”. I’ve also sadly seen these people flipped off, sworn at, things thrown at them. Someone I know who prayed with a group at the “pride” event was told “F*** you! My God is my !”. So I’m wondering, from people who have done it, how do you keep calm in the face of adversity, especially when you are praying and doing nothing to provoke people. I would love to join in on a public cause but I have some anxiety about doing it.

 

[ClearWater]

Expect some of this mistreatment, and it won’t come as such a surprise, one thing.

 

[Rosebud77]

I was contemplating joining in on some of the public prayer demonstrations in my area. Nothing very protest-like, basically just groups of Catholics praying with a few visible signs. A church near me does Mass one Friday a month, followed by a procession to the local abortion clinic where they pray the Rosary and Divine Mercy chaplet. Another group is very similar but does so at the gay “pride” parade. I’ve seen these groups (especially the folks outside the abortion clinic) and I always try to show them my support, a honk, a thumbs up, yelling “God Bless You!”. I’ve also sadly seen these people flipped off, sworn at, things thrown at them. Someone I know who prayed with a group at the “pride” event was told “F*** you! My God is my !”. So I’m wondering, from people who have done it, how do you keep calm in the face of adversity, especially when you are praying and doing nothing to provoke people. I would love to join in on a public cause but I have some anxiety about doing it.

Small question. WHY?

 

[ChurchSoldier]

As long as you realize it going in. Who needs prayer more than people who claim their god is a body part? There tend to be a lot of really hurting people at pride events, so you can expect a few people won’t be happy about it. Who cares.

God doesn’t ask satan’s permission to save souls, he just saves them. Treat people with respect and love and I’m sure most will reply in kind (or at least react neutrally).

 

[Crusaderbear]

It wouldn’t be much of a protest if therecwere no people opposed to your views! Pray for them and do as Jesus did, lead them from sin by your example. Pray. Good luck!

 

[victrolatim]

To answer the question “Why?”

Because people need prayers.

Because the church needs to be visible.

Because people need to realize the church is alive, young and active and not a tiny group of elderly people confined in a church.

Because we need to speak out against the atrocities in this world and lead by peaceful example.

Because Christ died for our sins, I need to stand up for Him

Because there shouldn’t be 10 people praying outside that abortion clinic, there should be 1,000.

Because the world in general needs to come back to God through his Blessed Mother and realize there are two genders, life begins at conception and marriage is between a man and a woman.

Because we need to “Speak the Truth in love” (cf. Eph. 4:15)

Because in spite of the culture the gates of Hell will never prevail against the church (cf. Matthew 16:18)

Because, despite what the world says, truth is not relative (John 14:6)

Because some people have never seen Jesus and have a preconceived notion of what the Church is.

Need I go on…

 

[Rosebud77]

To answer the question “Why?”

Because people need prayers.

Because the church needs to be visible.

Because people need to realize the church is alive, young and active and not a tiny group of elderly people confined in a church.

Because we need to speak out against the atrocities in this world and lead by peaceful example.

Because Christ died for our sins, I need to stand up for Him

Because there shouldn’t be 10 people praying outside that abortion clinic, there should be 1,000.

Because the world in general needs to come back to God through his Blessed Mother and realize there are two genders, life begins at conception and marriage is between a man and a woman.

Because we need to “Speak the Truth in love” (cf. Eph. 4:15)

Because in spite of the culture the gates of Hell will never prevail against the church (cf. Matthew 16:18)

Because, despite what the world says, truth is not relative (John 14:6)

Because some people have never seen Jesus and have a preconceived notion of what the Church is.

Need I go on…

I meant why take that form? Clearly it does not work and does little if any good. There are far more effective ways to do all you say as many of us know and do.