I Shall Walk With You

Prayer:

O Prince of Peace, to all who receive You, You bring light and peace.  Help me to live in daily contact with You, listening to the words You have spoken and obeying them.  O Divine Child, I place my hands in Yours; I shall follow You.  Oh, let Your divine life flow into me.

I will go unto the altar of God.  It is not myself and my tiny little affairs that matter here, but the great sacrifice of atonement.  I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will, O Lord.  Make my heart grow greater and wider, out of itself into the Divine Life.

O my God, fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You.  Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of road before me.  I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down, a new prospect will open before me and I shall met with peace.

How wondrous are the marvels of your love, We are amazed, we stammer and grow dumb, for word and spirit fail us.

-Prayers of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Reflection:

This prayer is so all-encompassing, much like God’s love for us. I’m always amazed at the fact that God allows us to approach Him this way. He sends His Spirit to give us the words with which to communicate our needs to Him. It’s a sign of His great mercy and love for us all.

What stands out the most to me is “I shall walk with you.” There is a total surrender and tenderness that comes out of this small part of this prayer. She adores him initially, then communicates her willingness to cooperate in her salvation. “I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will, O Lord.” This feels so heartfelt, so sincere, and true. What a joy to have that kind of intimacy and closeness with our Creator.

Meditation:

Lord help me to completely surrender to Your will, always recognizing Your greatness, Your love, and Your mercy. Help me to grow more in love with you each day.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.