I say that every time I pray the Our Father. Do I really know what I am saying? Do I really mean what I am saying? I trust that God wants me to tell Him what I long for in a given situation. But I also know that I should always defer to God’s will, letting him know that I desire his will above my own. After all, Jesus did this in the Garden of Gethsemane when he was facing death he prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
So, how do I do this? How do I share with God my deepest longings and yet pray thy will be done? I sometimes imagine myself praying, “Thy will be done as long as it matches mine”. I know this to be contrary to the true meaning and spirit of the words Jesus taught us so I continue to ponder in my heart and I mind.
I beseech the Holy Spirit to enlighten me that I may come to a better understanding of the Lord’s Prayer. I want to pray this prayer, and all prayers, in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial for my spiritual well-being. As I continue along my faith journey, by God’s grace, the gift of my Benedictine Vocation and the holy example of my Sisters in community I find myself growing. I am emerging little by little into who and how God wants me to be. I have even noticed that in recent days my Our Father petition has evolved into “Thy will be done and if it doesn’t match mine, please help me to be okay”. I am not saying I am a prayer guru . . . but I am making strides! Thy will be done!
Sister Lisa Maurer
Sister Lisa Maurer was born and raised in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota, before entering the Monastery, Sister Lisa taught and coached in Catholic Schools within the New Ulm Diocese. Sister Lisa made her first Monastic Profession in August 2009. She currently ministers at the parishes of St. Lawrence and St. Joseph in Duluth.
See all of Sister Lisa’s posts.