Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - If there's one thing we learned this week, it's that prayer matters.
We can argue whether you believe in prayer or not, but based on the response to the numbing medical episode of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, there is no doubt that prayer matters to a lot of people.
On Tuesday, Jill Kelly was among those who quickly organized a prayer vigil for Hamlin to be held outside the Bills Store adjacent to the stadium late in the afternoon. Prayer clearly mattered to the dozens of folks that gathered, most seemingly strangers to one another, but joined in a common bond of asking a higher power for strength and guidance in a time of need.
Outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Bills and Bengals fans alike, joined hands in prayer in the hours following the incident and that continued on a daily basis through the week as word began to spread that Hamlin's condition remained critical, but vastly improving.
Prayer mattered as signs went up, social media messages went out and a community with a common bond sought solace and comfort in a time where the unknowns were overwhelming.
Later in the week I found myself covering the Catholic Charities of Buffalo appeal announcement, and afterwards talking with Bishop Michael Fisher one on one.
As we talked loosely about the campaign goal of $9.5 million, I asked, "Can we talk about prayer for a moment?" "It's my favorite subject," he replied, to no surprise.
"It's part of my daily life," said Fisher and I asked if it bothered him that it's not necessarily that way for many people and they often times only reach for prayer in a time of want or need.
"It's natural when we are experiencing a tragedy to want to reach for that hope, give me a ray of light, and only God can do that," Fisher told me. As for those who turn to prayer occasionally, Bishop Fisher isn't bothered by that and suggests, neither is God. "You might forget about me at times, but I don't forget about you," he suggests is God's message. "I'm here."
It's all admittedly a heavy subject and one many were facing this week as they sought guidance and answers in so much tragedy that has embraced the Buffalo region. The deadly blizzard, a horrific New Year's Eve fire that claimed five young lives, and the stunning injury to Hamlin all among them.
The bishop describes prayer as an encounter we have with our God and says prayers are answered in a way to bring us closer to a higher power. And that doesn't always mean prayers are answered in a way you may have been hoping for.
"I want to win the lottery. You didn't answer my prayer," Fisher quips. "Maybe what I feel is my prayer being answered isn't what God feels is right for us," he says. Fisher says the outcome you were hoping for may have been a detriment in your relationship with God, he suggests.
Prayer is also a long term endeavor, Bishop Fisher says. A prayer you feel went unanswered may actually look differently to you, down the road. "It's difficult to see maybe until we've had a chance to look back on our life and see, that's why the Lord took me in that direction."
Even Bishop Fisher admits he's faced many a disappointment in his own life. "I'm where I'm at now because the Lord has drawn me in this way. This is where he wants me."
Whether it's prayers for Damar or prayers for something more personal in nature, Fisher and many others in roles like his, are grateful to see so many turn to it for a source of comfort, solace and hope.
"Prayer is essential. We should never take it for granted."
