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The Gift of Prayer: My Journey as a Chaplain
Over a decade ago, I took a step that forever changed the direction of my spiritual journey: I became a prayer chaplain at Unity of Fort Lauderdale. At the time, I had no idea how deeply this simple “yes” would shape my path. I only knew I had a calling to be of sacred service—to listen, to love, and to hold space for others in prayer. What I discovered was that being a chaplain wasn't about having the perfect words or solving anyone's problems. It was about presence. Pure, compassionate, nonjudgmental presence. It was about remembering the Truth for someone when they had forgotten it for themselves. In fact, my time as a prayer chaplain was so powerful, it eventually led me to ministry. I sometimes joke that I prayed my way into seminary! But truly, it was that intimate connection
with others—those holy moments of whispering Truth into hearts broken open—that showed me the kind of healing power I wanted to be part of every day.
While in seminary, I had the opportunity to take this calling even deeper by doing a 10-week chaplaincy internship at Truman Medical Center, a level 1 trauma hospital in Kansas City. That was one of the most intense and sacred times of my life. Truman was where I learned what it means to sit with someone who's just lost a loved one, to be present when no words are enough, and to feel the undeniable power of grace flowing through chaos and pain. Let's be real—when the hospital chaplaincy was over, I was exhausted and grateful. It stretched me beyond what I thought I could handle. But I came out stronger, clearer, and more rooted in the truth that Love shows up even in the hardest places. Now, as the minister at Unity of Louisville, I have the joy of supporting and training our prayer chaplain team. Our chaplains serve this community by offering affirmative prayer—not just on Sundays, but throughout the week. They call, they visit, they pray. They show up when someone is hurting and remind them: You are not alone. God is here, now, in this very breath. We meet monthly to practice, reflect, and grow together. And let me tell you—this team is the heart of this community. If you've ever received a prayer from one of our chaplains, you know exactly what I mean. And now, it's your turn. Starting today, we are offering a 2-day prayer chaplain training right here at Unity of Louisville. Whether you've felt a calling for years or you're just curious what it's all about, this is your invitation. There's still room to join us—and I promise, it will be an experience you'll never forget. Our guest trainer is none other than Rev. Myra McFadden, the wonderful and witty former senior minister of Unity of Kansas City North. If you've never met her, you're in for a treat. She'll be leading the training and giving our Sunday message on the Daily Word: Courage—something we can all use a little more of these days. Becoming a chaplain is not about being perfect. It's about being present. It's about listening more than talking. It's about opening your heart and saying, “Spirit, use me.” If this stirs something in you, even just a flicker of curiosity, I encourage you to follow that nudge. Give me a call or shoot me a text at 502-500-7415. You'll be welcomed with open arms. This is more than training—it's a homecoming to the sacred part of yourself that already knows how to love and listen deeply. See you there. With great love, Rev. Bobby
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