A few weeks ago, Dr. Bill Carr led our Men's Retreat. Bill talked about his ministry. His ministry included pastoring a church in a small town, serving as a pastor on the largest Presbyterian Church in the country, caring as a Chaplain in the Army, and ministering the grieving as part of a funeral home staff. In addition to his stories, Bill also shared with us a copy of this prayer by Thomas Merton:

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. (Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude)

These words remind me of what we talked about in the sermon this past Sunday. The key to living long and prospering is to trust in God. Trust can diminish the fear that often feels overwhelming. Merton's words remind us of what Jesus says at the end of Matthew's gospel - that Jesus is with us always. Merton's words also echo Psalm 23 - "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, you are with me." (ESV)
 
Whenever you feel like you are lost and afraid, trust God to help you find your way. Remember that whatever you face in life or death, you are not alone. Together, you and God can handle anything!

Prayer for Today

Try praying Merton's prayer.

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.
(Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude)