By your grace and mercy, O Lord, you called me back to you.
I don’t know how long I resisted your call or did not acknowledge it, but you finally called loudly enough that I answered. Then you gently, but firmly, guided me to discern you more and to get to know you better. You gave me many fellow travelers along the way to encourage me and help me to not stray far from the path, ever increasing, not only my knowledge of you but also my love for you.
You gave me a better understanding and awareness of all you have given me and especially your love for me. I know this journey will continue until I manage to do all you have planned for me to do. I only ask that my love for you will continue to grow and that, with your grace, courage, wisdom, and strength, I will be an effective tool in your earthly toolbox; an effective missionary to bring knowledge of you and your love to the world.
I ask this in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
AMEN
I wrote this prayer in September 2021 during a Men of St. Joseph retreat at St. Stephen Martyr Catholic Church in Chesapeake, Virginia after a particularly intense session and after one of the retreat leaders laid hands on the participants. In it I reflect on the years I avoided my faith and the fact that God never gave up on me. He won’t give up on you, either. He loves all of us and always calls us to Him. It is up to us to answer His call.
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