In the April 1989 issue of the Caritas of Birmingham Newsletter, a Friend of Medjugorje shared, for the first time, information of how Our Lady initiated the formation of prayer groups with the youth in Medjugorje.  First is from a talk that Medjugorje visionary, Ivan, gave explaining the importance of prayer groups in Our Lady’s plans and how his began.  It was not only Ivan that attended these prayer meetings, but also visionary Vicka and Marija, over the course of the first decade or so.  Ivan kept the prayer group going over the years and they continue to meet even today, 43 years later.

IVAN TALKS ABOUT THEIR PRAYER GROUP

“Our prayer group was formed quite spontaneously on July 4, 1982. Some two months after its formation, Our Lady began to give, through me, special messages of guidance for this group…messages that she wants us to live. Thereby, she says, we will help towards the implementation of her plans for the world, for Medjugorje, and for our group. In addition, she wants us to pray for the hungry and sick and help all who are most in need; we are to be ready to help them at all times.”

“At present our prayer group numbers 16 members; these include four young married couples. Whereas we used to meet three times a week, now we meet only twice. On Friday we say the Stations of the Cross up Krizevac. On Monday, we meet on Crnica (hill of the apparition), where I have an apparition and She gives us a message.”

“It matters not one bit on those evenings whether it be raining or fine, whether there be snow or thunderstorms. We go full of life up either hill to comply with Gospa’s wishes.”

“What Our Lady mostly emphasizes in her messages to our group is PRAYER. We realize that people pray in different ways. Let us never forget that lip-prayer (alone) is empty. It is a mere form of words emptied of meaning. What the Mother of God desires of us is PRAYER WITH THE HEART.”

“Every evening that our prayer group meets, whichever hill it happens to be on, we assemble 1 ½ hours before Our Lady’s apparition. We spend that period in prayer and singing hymns. Shortly before the Mother of God arrives, we remain silent for some ten minutes in order to prepare ourselves for her coming and to await it with joy.”

“As for how much longer Our Lady will continue to guide our group in this special way, we have no idea at all.”

PRAYER GROUPS

From another interview with Ivan Dragicevic:

“Our Lady tells of the necessity of prayer in many of her messages. Today we are faced with confrontations of the most extreme kinds, and we are experiencing a crumbling of morality. It is of no surprise that Our Lady so strongly and tirelessly keeps repeating, “…pray, pray, pray.”  Prayer groups are merely a response to that call. On August 11, 1982, Our Lady said that all people should be part of a prayer group.”

HOW TO FORM A PRAYER GROUP

A prayer group can be formed and meet within the confines of the church or in a private home. It can meet indoors or outdoors, but in an area where one can feel peace and quiet.

Ideally, it would be beneficial that the group be led by a religious or a lay person who is well-prepared spiritually. People need someone who is spiritually advanced and deep in spiritual knowledge.

However, any person who wishes to share praying time with others can start a prayer group. Invite one, two or more friends and begin to pray together.

Another way would be simply for those who wish to talk to one another about faith, read the Holy Scripture, pray and encourage one another. They should just gather together and learn and pray.

A very convenient way of forming a prayer group is that the family starts praying together—parents and children and other members of the family. In that way, the prayer group could meet every evening for a time of prayer.

It is especially important that prayer groups persevere and not give up easily at the very beginning.

Prayer groups should first of all strive for holiness within themselves. This will enable a free passage of the Holy Spirit to guide them. Members should seriously concern themselves with their own conduct, an eagerness to learn, and an openness to a deeper experience of God’s grace for their own spiritual growth.

A Friend of Medjugorje has built an infrastructure to create and spread prayer groups. Contact Caritas of Birmingham for more information about prayer groups. Call in the U.S. (205) 672-2000. After hours dial to extension 333.