Day 12: The Prayer of Abandonment

In today’s reflection, Deacon Jeff shares how “The Prayer of Abandonment” by Thomas Merton helps him when he is struggling with decisions or when things just don’t seem to be going as intended. 

Prayer of Abandonment

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 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 that I have that desire in all that I am doing. 
And I know that if I do this,
you will lead me by the right road
although 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 face my perils alone.
Amen.