A CLASSIC PRAYER

November 21

Lord, let me be a vessel of peace—where hatred exists, may I bring love—where there is hurt, may I bring forgiveness—where there is division, may I bring unity—where there is error, may I bring truth—where there is doubt, may I bring faith—where there is despair, may I bring hope—where there is darkness, may I bring light—where there is sorrow, may I bring joy. Lord, grant that I may seek to comfort rather than to be comforted—to understand rather than to be understood—to love rather than to be loved. For in giving, we receive. In forgiving, we are forgiven. And in surrendering, we awaken to Eternal Life. Amen.

TWELVE STEPS AND TWELVE TRADITIONS, p. 99

No matter where I stand in my spiritual journey, the prayer of St. Francis deepens my conscious contact with the God of my understanding. One of the greatest blessings of faith is that I don’t need to fully comprehend my Higher Power to experience its grace. What matters is the relationship itself—rich, sustaining, and beyond explanation. By practicing the Eleventh Step with sincerity, I continue to grow closer to that Presence, discover His will for me, and receive the strength to carry it out.