The Transforming Power of Prayer: An Interview With Grandma

 

Rosary expresses faith, trust, gratitude, and forgiveness.

By Ashley Nichole De Vera 

“Nothing is more credible and persuasive than a life transformed by prayer.” 

I feel truly blessed to have discovered how my grandmother’s life has been shaped and renewed through her devotion to prayer. This discovery came through a performance task in my Christian Living Education class: to interview a family member about their prayer life and how it has transformed them. What I found was more than just an assignment—it was a journey of faith. Join me as I share my grandmother’s story of simple yet profound transformation through the power of prayer.

The Prayer Dearest to My Grandmother

My grandmother, Loreta C. De Vera, is 75 years old. She has devoted her entire life to prayer and to the reception of the sacraments. Every Sunday, she faithfully attends Mass and offers prayers for the sick, the poor, the suffering, and those who are struggling in life.

When asked about her favorite prayer, she revealed that the Rosary holds a special place in her heart because her father had taught it to her since childhood. Praying the Rosary became a family tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Through this devotion, she learned that praying the Rosary is like having a conversation with Mary, asking for her guidance and help. These prayers continue to be an important part of her daily life because they provide comfort and help her remain close to God.

The Impact of Prayer on Her Daily Life

Her strong devotion to the Rosary is evident in her daily life. She actively participates in various religious activities and celebrations in the parish, such as joining processions during the feast days of saints and of the Blessed Virgin Mary, especially during the Month of the Holy Rosary. These practices have made her relationship with God grow deeper and more sincere over the years.

In addition to her personal devotion, my grandmother has dedicated many years to serving the church community. She worked at the Santuario de San Vicente Ferrer in Bayambang, Pangasinan, where she took on the important role of providing nutrition assistance, offering food and care to those in need. Beyond this, she actively volunteered in various barangays and contributed her time at the Archdiocesan Formation Center in Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City, Pangasinan. During her time at the formation center, she was guided by a nun who served as the directress and left a lasting impact on her by imparting valuable lessons of compassion, discipline, and spiritual growth—treasures my grandmother cherishes to this day.

As time passed, her devotion to the Rosary grew deeper and deeper. She prays it nearly every night before going to bed, often sharing this special moment with her child, which not only strengthens their bond but also teaches her child to trust in God. She also prays the Rosary in the morning while walking with her husband, starting the day with readiness and peace. 

A Life Transformed by Prayer

Reflecting on her personal experiences with prayer, she shared that whenever she prays, especially during times of stress, worry, or sadness—such as when a loved one is sick or has passed away—she feels a noticeable sense of lightness and peace.

She recalled a particular incident when a serious conflict arose involving a piece of land where their family lives. Some people claimed that the family did not have the right to build or do anything on the land because there was supposedly a court order against it. However, they were unaware that the legal case had already been resolved in the family’s favor. Despite this, the other side continued to accuse and speak against them without knowing the full facts.

During this stressful time, my grandmother and the family chose to remain silent and prayed earnestly for peace. She prayed the Rosary and the Lord’s Prayer continuously, asking for understanding and calm. Gradually, tensions eased on both sides, the arguments stopped, and the issue was resolved peacefully. My grandmother considers this a small miracle, demonstrating how devoted prayer helped bring about reconciliation and calm in what could have been a lasting conflict. 

 A Message to the Young: The Power of Prayer

When asked if she would recommend praying the Rosary to others, she responded with a firm affirmation. She believes that this prayer offers anyone seeking peace and guidance a valuable connection to God. The Rosary is an expression of faith and trust, and it is very effective for asking for help, offering thanks, or seeking forgiveness.

She especially emphasized the importance of young people learning this prayer, given the busyness and confusion of modern life. Prayer, she explained, helps individuals slow down, focus on what truly matters, and find strength during difficult times.

Listening to my grandmother, I realized that her strength does not come from wealth, influence, or power—it comes from her simple, unwavering faith in God through prayer. Each bead of the Rosary she holds, each Lord’s Prayer and Hail Mary she whispers, carries with it a story of love, hope, and trust. Her life reminds us that prayer is not only for asking but also for surrendering, for finding peace when the world feels heavy, and for keeping God close in both joys and trials.

Her journey is an invitation for us, especially the young, to discover the same transforming power of prayer. Like Grandma, we too can find in prayer a faithful companion—one that strengthens us, guides us, and shapes the story of our lives. 

The author is a Grade 11 student at St. Vincent Catholic School of Bayambang, Inc., Pangasinan, Philippines.