Studying in a convent school, we would often recite this prayer first thing in the morning. As a kid, honestly, I never thought much of it. It was just one more thing to do. But recently I re-visited this prayer and realized its enormous significance in centering us.
Instead of us focusing on our needs and wants, the prayer empowers us to become the source of comfort and light. At the same time, it reminds us that true compassion begins with compassion for our self. That true understanding starts from within.
It is a powerful prayer that reminds us that we have that ability within us and we do not have to depend on anything or anybody. That knowledge makes us stronger – allowing us to move from dependency to inter-dependency, from imbalance to balance.
Lord make Me an instrument of Thy peace
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand.
To be loved. as to love
For it’s in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born…
To eternal life.
Amen…
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