A prayer when we are fearful and want to be in control

Prayer gives us the courage to stretch out our arms and to be led. After Jesus had given Peter the commission to care for his people, he said:

    I tell you most solemnly,

    when you were young

    you put on your own belt

    and walked where you liked;

    but when you grow old

    you will stretch out your hands,

    and somebody else will put a belt around you

    and take you where you would rather not go.

    —John 21:18

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Dear God,

    I so much want to be in control.

    I want to be the master of my own destiny.

    Still I know that you are saying:

    “Let me take you by the hand and lead you.

    Accept my love

    and trust that where I will bring you,

    the deepest desires of your heart will be fulfilled.”

    Lord, open my hands to receive your gift of love.

    Amen.

Question for meditation:

In what ways am I afraid of dependence?

Source: Henri Nouwen,  With Open Hands. Second revised edition. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press.

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