My Story
A Little Bit About Me
I’m a cradle Catholic. I make rosaries for Our Lady’s Rosary Makers. I’ve been a catechist teaching Confirmation preparation to ninth graders since 2009. I’m a member of the Marian Catechist Apostolate. I’ve completed the 2 year Ministry Formation Program of the Davenport, IA diocese. I’ve been involved with the Charismatic Renewal since 2010. I have served on several parish healing prayer teams since 2023.
I’m your typical busy Catholic.
And then something unexpected happened in my prayer life.
You may have read about that in my testimony in the November 2025 issue of The Word Among Us magazine. While the article did not mention the year, Keith’s surgery took place on September 9, 2024. Thus, this is still fresh in my mind, and has had a huge impact on my prayer life.
My Prayer Life Before and After September 2024
BEFORE
For the past several years, I would sit in prayer and ask Jesus questions. I would write down the thoughts that came into my mind that I believed were from Him or were inspired by Him. I would usually get a single word or a short phrase. Occasionally, lots of words would just pour out. I was very hesitant and doubting at first, but my confidence has grown as I slowly learned to discern God’s voice. Most likely these words were ‘a little’ from God and ‘a lot’ from me. Occasionally, I might see a single image in my mind’s eye when praying as part of a healing prayer team.
AFTER
During Keith’s surgery and recovery, I was flooded with possible inspired words from God and saw images in my mind’s eye, unlike anything I have ever had happen before.
This experience has transformed the way I pray for people. Now, instead of me deciding what to say and how to pray for someone, I ask Jesus how HE wants me to pray.
“Lord, how do YOU want me to pray for this person?” or “Lord, How do YOU want me to participate in this person’s healing?”.
I realize now that Jesus is the Conductor and orchestrates the healing, and I am a member of the orchestra and am invited to play my part.
There’s More
The account in The Word Among Us magazine was the first of other healing events that took place during Keith’s time in the hospital and recovery at home. I kept a journal throughout those days and weeks and recorded everything as it happened.
Click HERE to be notified when the full story is available.
Invite Me to Speak to Your Group
I live in Burlington, Iowa. I am available to speak with your charismatic prayer group or other group and share this encouraging and consoling account of surrender to Jesus and example of Jesus’ healing work, to encourage all in their prayer life.
Click HERE to contact me.
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© 2025 Diane Oetken
