I don’t always have it all together. There are days where I wonder what I’m doing with my life. I sometimes wander off onto the wrong path. I’m not always sure where the path is, and at times I’ve ended up lost the woods, fighting through the high brush and branches. There are days I’m completely alone on the path and days that I can barely breath because of the crowds.
Each day, I do try to do right by myself, by others, and by God. Each day, I invariably am not always true to myself, to others, or to God.
Yet, I take comfort in my humanness, our ability to start each day anew. Our ability to find and hold onto faith. Our ability to know we are not alone. Our friends and family who share our journey down the path. God’s ability to forgive. His guiding hand in holding mine when I get lost or wander too far. His ability to put me back on my feet when I stumble and fall. His ability to guide me when I have no idea where I’m going.
This prayer first crossed my path a few years ago when I was going through an incredibly challenging time. It found its way into my life again last week. Sharing it with you today.
“MY 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 that 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. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I 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 face my perils alone.”
Just for fun – this post links up at some of these great sewing, quilting, and Catholic linky parties!
I've always loved this prayer, even before I realized how much more Thomas Merton would speak to my heart.
Kathleen, I stopped by your site and checked out the posts you had written on Thomas Merton – they're very well written. I especially liked the one in which you quoted him on how he took what the world had to offer and found himself empty. Truly, it is in giving that we receive.
Beautiful….love this prayer too. THANKS for sharing.
Found you in the linky list of participants.
Thanks for sharing.
I am leaving a link to my favorite post this week that lists my favorite books. 🙂 I can't choose one favorite book.
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Favorite Books
Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's such a great prayer, and one that we can ALL connect with at some time or another.
I, too, love Thomas Merton's prayer. I think he often found himself in the woods and thickets. Last week Catholic radio introduced me to this prayer, which may serve you well on your pilgrimage: "O God, You called Abraham Your servant out of Ur and kept him safe and sound in all his wanderings. If it is Your will, protect Your servants. Be for us a support when setting out, friendship along the way, a little shade from the sun, a mantle against cold and rain, a crutch on slippery paths, and a haven in shipwreck. Bear us up in fatigue, and defend us under attack. Under Your protection, let us fulfill the purpose for our trip and return safe and sound to our home. Amen"
Joann, this is a beautiful prayer, and complements Thomas Merton's so well. Thank you for sharing it with me.
Beautiful post. I found you through the Catholic Bloggers 2014 Blitz. I had never heard of that prayer by Thomas Merton; it's certainly one to remember. There have been many times I've found myself in a corner, unable to turn around and face the world and all of its mysteries and pain and joys. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Patty, it's amazing how we can all relate to it, isn't it? It's one of my favorite prayers.