I am using this Thomas Merton prayer in my sermon this morning. We are examining the topic of discernment and how God might be calling us as a congregation to engage it as a spiritual practice. It has been a favorite of mine for years and it seems like just the perfect opportunity to share it with the congregation. There is so much about life is unknown even when we think we are doing the "right" thing. I believe this is where the blessed gift of God's providence comes in to make all things right in God's time.
I thought I'd share it with you today in case you weren't in church to hear it:
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.
AMEN
