I am attempting to read a fair amount as part of my preparation for the World Race. Today, I grabbed a classic – “One Heart Full of Love” – by Mother Theresa. Each time I read this book, my passion for service is revitalized.
The following prayer is found several times throughout the book. It obviously had great significance for Mother Theresa. Today, it is still recited each morning by the Sisters of Charity. Like Mother Theresa, these sisters have dedicated their lives to serving the poorest of the poor all around the world. I believe this prayer is relevant for all of us who consider ourselves “Carriers of Gods love”.
“Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our brothers and sisters scattered throughout the entire world, who live and die in poverty and hunger. Through the service of our hands, give them their daily bread; and by our understanding love, give them peace and joy. Lord, make me an instrument of your 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 is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen”
Mother Theresa found these words vital to her daily ministry…and I dare say that we could probably learn a thing or two from her life. What an amazing women and servant of God. Her life is a beautiful illustration of Romans 12:1 – “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your spiritual act of worship”.
