The prayer featured this month in Living With Christ is attributed to Eusebius of Caesarea (c. 263-339). It certainly sounds very much as though it could have been written today.
"May I be no one's enemy, and may I be the friend of that which is eternal and abides.
May I love, seek, and attain only that which is good.
May I wish for all people's happiness and envy none.
May I never rejoice in the ill-fortune of one who has wronged me.
May I win no victory that harms either me or my opponent.
May I, to the extent of my power, give all needful help to my friends and to all who are in want.
May I be able, by gentle and healing words, to soften the pain of those in grief.
May I respect myself, May I always tame that which rages within me.
May I never discuss who is wicked and what wicked things they have done, but know good people and follow their footsteps."
I think that there are so many lines of this prayer that touch me and call me to consider my actions. The one that speaks to me the loudest is--"know good people and follow in their footsteps." For me that is the key, to follow the footsteps of those good people who have walked before me.
Mary, this is such a beautiful and humble prayer. Growing up I was taught, "You are known by the company you keep." We were urged to avoid bad company. Now that I'm an adult, I know what bad company is and what good company is. This prayer helps me focus once more on keeping a lock on the tongue and following in the footsteps of the best company there is: Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and all the saints, and those in my life who are really trying to do God's will.
ReplyDeletePowerful reminders. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless.
I had been praying this prayer all month and I just felt as though I had to share it with you all. Blessings! Mary
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