Many times, while we served as missionaries in Honduras, I was faced with difficult decisions, some of which not only affected Margaret and me, but literally hundreds of other people. In these situations, I would first seek the counsel and advice of Margaret, then other missionaries and staff. But I will confess that at times a decision would have to be made while I would not have complete confidence and assurance that I would be doing God’s will. In these situations, I would always pray a prayer that had come to mean so very much to me. It was a prayer that was written and prayed by a Catholic monk, Thomas Merton. This prayer still means a lot to me and it is framed and hanging on my bedroom wall. I pray it quite often, because on many occasions, I do not know if what I am doing or where I am going is indeed the will of the Father. And the ultimate desire of my heart and my life is to always be doing His will. This is that 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
So, maybe you would like to copy this prayer and pray it in times of uncertainty or difficult decisions. In difficult times, remember that He is our “Hiding Place” as stated in the words of the song by that name.
You are my hiding place;
Let the weak say I am strong;
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
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