november prayer

I was chatting with a friend of mine yesterday, and we came to the conclusion that November is a difficult month. Trees have lost their colour, days are shorter and the world seems to be covered in grey and cold. 

Many people around me are facing devastating life situations this month. One of my best friend's grandfather has but of few days left to live. Another has been walking through the suicide attempt of a loved one. So much brokenness and darkness. 

I fell upon this prayer the other day, by Saint Ignatius of Loyola. And I was reminded that he, too, went through a season of grey days. 

But it was in this season that he came to know and cherish Christ. He was heavily injured and bed-stricken when we first read about the life of Jesus.

Saint Ignatius of Loyola, such an important figure of the Christian faith, experienced his call to religious life not in a large cathedral or battlefield, but in a hospital bed. 

So I will be praying the prayer that was uttered by a man who knew all too well that our God meets and strengthens the vulnerable, those who cry out in desperation when the grey seems overwhelming. 

Join me in this prayer of faith. 

O Christ Jesus,

when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love, and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
in Your protecting love
and strengthening power,
so that nothing may frighten or worry us,

for, living close to You,

we shall see Your hand,

Your purpose, Your will through all things.

Amen.