I met with a couple of friends Sunday evening. We were discussing the barriers that are sometimes encountered when one seeks to improve one's contact with God. We were encouraging each other in our respective journeys and brainstorming ways to overcome the barriers that we each were encountering. Somewhere in the midst of this I encountered a wonderful paradox. The desire to find God is one that God honors and promises to fulfill for us. In fact, this desire to draw near to God is one that was planted in our hearts by God in the first place - thus setting up the Divine fulfillment! When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, (Jer 29:13, NRSV) Before they call I will answer, while they are yet speaking I will hear. (Isaiah 65:24, NRSV) … [Read more...]
Thomas Merton Prayer
O Lord God, I have no idea where I am going, I do not see the road ahead of me, I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you, and I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire to please you. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to make my journey alone. - from Pax Christi … [Read more...]
Prayer of St. Francis de Sales
Be at Peace. Do not fear the changes of life, Rather look forward to them with full hope as they arise. God, whose very own you are, Will deliver you from out of them. He has kept you hitherto, And He will lead you safely through all things; And when you cannot stand it, God will bury you in His arms. Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; The same everlasting Father who cares for you today Will take care of you then and every day. He will either shield you from suffering Or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace And put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. … [Read more...]
