Girl Hit by Drunk Driver Escaped Death after She Asked People to ‘Pray Out Loud’

When a Missouri woman drove to church like she often did, she never imagined having a near-death experience. A car accident almost cost her everything, but a series of miracles was about to unfold!

Katie Lentz was a young woman of 19 with the rest of her life ahead. Her future was bright, and she likely couldn't wait to make memories and have adventures with her loved ones.

The woman of faith was on her way to church on August 4, 2013, when her worst fears became a reality. A vehicle collided with her Mercedes convertible and left her in desperate need of help.

The Shocking Accident

Emergency workers rushed to the accident scene to rescue Katie as she lay trapped in the wreck with various serious injuries. Katie didn't remember the impact of the incident, but she recalled asking people:

"Is this real life? Is this really happening?"

Her One Request

Katie was hanging on by a thread when she suddenly had a simple yet unique request for everyone around her. She asked people to "pray out loud." She explained why this request was so important to her, sharing:

"I couldn't pray out loud the way I was used to and the way I wanted to because I was weak. My body was in pain. I needed other people to do that for me. That gave me encouragement."

Praying for a Miracle

Katie's mom, Carla Lentz, remembered the devastating moment she learned of her daughter's accident. Respondents told to prepare for the worst-case scenario because Katie's situation was critical.

Carla and her husband, Ed Lentz, held onto their faith and prayed for a miracle. Countless friends and fellow believers also rallied and asked God to heal the then-19-year-old.

Katie's father was emotional as he recalled his daughter's intense pain following the accident. He wished he could have taken it on himself and carried her burdens.

Her Life Was Hanging in the Balance

When the air evacuation team arrived to transport Katie to the hospital, they ran into some issues. Team member Dusty Wheeler said:

"We had a hard time checking blood pressure and getting to her."

The emergency worker knew that if they didn't get Katie out of the vehicle soon, she wouldn't make it. Finally, after an hour and a half, the team extricated Katie from her car, but things were not looking good.

In the tense environment, bystanders took Katie's request seriously. They prayed audibly, and their words gave the young lady hope. "I never thought I was going to die, " she stated.

The "Angel Priest"

Moments after the praying started, a "mystery priest" appeared and blessed Katie and the team assisting her. His prayers meant a great deal to the young woman and encouraged everyone at the scene.

The priest's identity remained anonymous following the ordeal, so people quickly started calling him the "angel priest." In reality, his name was Patrick Dowling.

The priest didn't fuss when he left the accident scene and was happy to have had a chance to pray for the teenager. He shared:

"I absolved and anointed Katie, and, at her request, prayed that her leg would not hurt."

Carried by Her Faith

Katie made it to the hospital in time, and the surgeons began operating immediately. Her injuries were severe, and she would need multiple surgeries. It wouldn't be an easy road to recovery, but thanks to her faith, she persevered.

Katie's father was emotional as he recalled his daughter's intense pain following the accident. He wished he could have taken it on himself and carried her burdens. However, it was worth it for the teenager because her story had a significant impact.

She Is an Inspiration

People in the hospital and online took notice of the miraculous experience and were stunned by Katie's bravery. She remained strong and shared that God gave her "supernatural peace."

Katie was grateful for the many prayers and recovered miraculously. She was able to walk without any assistance and said:

"My doctors told me I should have died, been brain dead, or paralyzed ... but I’m not. Praise the Lord for his mercy, healing, and faithfulness! God has immensely blessed me."

Katie's story brought hope to many, and she continues to share her encounter with others. Well done, Katie, you're an inspiration to us all!

Click here for a story about a father who begged God for a miracle. His kids were in an accident, and he had one wish following the incident.