Is There a Road Ahead of Me?

I was organizing some items in my basement one morning and came across the following prayer that has meant so much to me in my spiritual journey. Someone shared it with me over ten years ago. 

I was meeting some seminary staff in the Chicago area; however, I hadn't made reservations for an overnight stay. There were lots of really nice hotels in the area, but I needed to stay somewhere other than a hotel. I drove around for awhile. It was beginning to get dark. I was in LaGrange Park, IL, when I noticed a Catholic mother house, Sisters of St. Joseph. This is the same name as the mother house in Kalamazoo, MI, where I live.  

It was dark by the time I approached the front door. I knocked. This was an unusual situation. Typically reservations are made in advance. With a smile on my face I asked, "Is there a room in the inn?" I stood outside as we talked. I shared my ministerial credential, my church's bulletin with my name on it, and some names of sisters I know at St. Joseph's. They smiled and let me in. 

During my overnight stay, I ate a meal with the sisters before I left for my meeting. One of them gave me this prayer and I want to share it with you. 

Perhaps it will encourage those who are wondering about the road ahead. No matter how spiritual or biblical we are, sometimes we need to be reminded of God's faithfulness. Maybe you or someone in your family, church, neighborhood, or workplace needs to be reminded. May you share this prayer with them or put their name in the 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 

That evening in LaGrange Park, the Lord led me "by the right road!"

God leads us each step of the way!