Midday Meditation: Discernment Prayer by Thomas Merton Source: Thomas Merton, Pax Christi, Benet Press, Erie, PA. 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 that 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. Sometimes, discerning the best good decision seems overwhelming. This prayer comforts me. The reminder that at the end of myself, there is and will always be God. I can fumble and flail forward, and our good God is with me. What do you need to know today, about yourself, or God, or the situations you are presently navigating? Guest post: Niecy LoCricchio, spiritual director, retreat guide at thesoulcareplace.com; if you are interested in leaning into the practice of discernment, consider joining this Fall’s cohort in a 9-month companioned journey to immerse yourself in God’s love with the Ignatian Spiritual Exercises.

Posted by Jamie Bonilla at 2023-07-13 17:30:04 UTC