One of the purposes of this blog is to offer models of prayer that can be useful in putting into words your own prayers. We learn from others. This week’s prayer comes from Dag Hammerskjold’s diary. Hammerskjold was a Swedish diplomat who served as Secretary General of the United Nations in the 1950’s. His famous journal, published post-humously, is named MARKINGS. One entry is a prayer that is so brief you can carry it in your head and let it launch you into prayer whenever and wherever you want. The prayer combines thanksgiving and dedication. He prays: “For all that has been – Thanks! For all that will be – Yes!” In the style of WEAVING PRAYER INTO THE TAPESTRY OF LIFE, I would add … to spend some time reviewing gifts for which I am thankful. I would add …to the second sentence to allow time for dedication of my will to God’s will in the future as I see it. So:
For all that has been…Thanks! For all that will be… Yes! The first sentence is easier. The second sentence implies a profound trust in what God wills for your life, and can communicate that you will be looking for and intending to live into the future possibilities that God will be offering you. It is a prayer that does not ask that your will be done, but an opening to what God’s will might be for what is to come for you. It is an expression of faith in God’s love. The… time can be a listening time for what God has in mind.
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