Due to the spread of COVID-19, Churches all over the world shut down suddenly and the faithful were left stranded. To overcome this predicament faced by the universal Church and the faithful, a LIVE channel called ‘DAILY MASS’ from Shalom World came to the rescue with the help of sixteen parishes selected from Australia to Canada. We were unsure of whether we need to continue this channel; considering the interest and enthusiasm of the clergy and the testimonies of thousands of viewers, we prayed to discern the will of God. This is how, along with the three other channels of Shalom World, a new channel emerged – SW Prayer.

What’s special about ‘SW PRAYER’ channel?

The three channels of Shalom World – Shalom World North America, Shalom World Europe and Shalom World Australia – host and broadcast various Christian programs. However, SW Prayer is different; this channel is dedicated solely for prayers ‘round the clock! There is a LIVE broadcast of the Holy Mass and Adoration every 4 hours. Apart from that, there are intercessory prayers, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Stations of the Cross, Divine Office, Novenas, and the Holy Rosary. These prayers are led by people like you and me, LIVE, from their own homes. Moreover, millions of viewers around the world can submit their prayer requests to this channel at any time. There is a worldwide network of intercessors, SW Prayer Network (SWPN), praying for you 24/7. You can reach SWPN through phone, email, or text messages from any country at any time.

Your prayer requests will be offered in the upcoming broadcast of the Holy Mass and Adoration on the channel. In addition to this, unceasing intercessory prayers will be held for your intentions at Shalom’s chapels of Perpetual Adoration and select monasteries and convents. A scroll on the television will allow viewers from around the world, to pray for your petitions also. Together with SW Prayer, the viewers, and intercessors, we can build a stronghold of prayer for the Church in her times of need.

Mercy Flows from the Heart of Jesus

The commitment to give the Lord a tithe of time was not easy, at least that is what I thought; the Lord’s ways are beyond comprehension.

“Many Graces Will Come from This”

When I was first invited to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet each Sunday at 3:00pm with Shalom Media I hesitated, daunted by the prospect of appearing on a livestream channel in front of a global audience. While it was an exciting and beautiful concept - the wider Christian family connecting through perpetual prayer in a time of great need, my frail human mind focused on my fears and limitations. I initially declined the opportunity; I was certain it was a task not meant for me. A few hours later, something gnawed within and I suspected that our Lord was asking more from me. Before I could overthink it, and allow the enemy to gain mental ground, I decided to give my “Yes” and wait. “Many graces will come from this”, they assured me. Those words remained in my heart.

Some small inconveniences came from the commitment – broken plans on Sundays, location, lighting issues and difficulties ensuring households of people and pets stayed quiet during the LIVE recording. I have, since learnt that it is good to offer these little challenges up to Jesus and keep trusting.

Just Keep Trusting

God is up to something, but all has not yet been revealed. It is difficult to comprehend the salvific power of one mighty prayer, uttered from a suburban Melbourne bedroom; yet, I am convinced that thousands of souls are encountering Jesus as we each pray and soak up the precious words of the Chaplet together.

On a personal level, I have felt God growing me, calling me out into the open. Many years of my earlier life were spent hiding – self-conscious, ashamed, anxious, prideful, and broken. I feared the opinions and judgement of all. Since beginning the Divine Mercy sessions, the Lord continues to ask me to be in the public eye; God likes to reveal His glory through the weak and the unlikely ones.

The Unparalleled Providence

God has definitely provided since making this commitment. He has shown me the power of saying ‘Yes’ to all that He asks; even when it appears difficult at first, I have learnt to sit back and watch as He navigates it all for me. He has given me the grace to understand that things are really not about me at all. Our Lord has urgent work to do – millions of souls to save – and whichever of his creations is willing to say ‘yes,’ He will readily move in and assume the driver’s seat. I still sometimes resist this grace but now, I can hear the Lord say ‘Daughter, step aside.’

Before the sessions I like to prepare my mind and heart in private prayer or simply sit and spend time looking at the image of Divine Mercy; I ask God to bless and redeem all those tuned in, and convert any hearts that do not yet know Him. During the sessions, I try to focus my mind on different intentions or imagine His Sacred Heart pulsating mercy around the world in this pandemic. Human angst occasionally seeps in “Don’t forget the words” but I place the chaplet in Jesus’ hands each week and He never fails to deliver.

In this commitment, there has been growth, blessings and healings. The anxious, inward-looking spirit within me is quieting and the Lord’s power is increasing. It is a privilege being involved in this experience with SW Prayer and I am so thankful for this grace. I pray that Shalom ministry will continue to flourish. COVID has in so many ways opened us all up to greater prayer opportunities, evangelism and spiritual community. May Shalom Media and all who listen to its channel, be blessed and guided by Him always.

Shalom In Jesus Christ