I had the privilege of hearing Archbishop Robert Carlson speak at a meeting of priests and deacons a couple of weeks ago. At that meeting, Archbishop Carlson spoke about the importance of preparing our hearts for the season of Lent. He told us that as priests and deacons, we need to be prepared to serve others. To do that, we need to be active pray-ers, and we need to model this gift of prayer for our parishioners. He used his pastoral letter on spiritual formation, “Partakers of the Divine Nature” as a reference.
I recommend reading Archbishop Carlson’s pastoral letter. It contains some great reflection questions and references some of the contemporary resources we are using to help grow an Engaged Parish at St. Joseph’s in Manchester, MO. This includes the book given to each parishioner as a gift this last Chritmas, “The Four Signs of a Dynamic Catholic” by Matthew Kelly.
In his pastoral letter, Archbishop Carlson reminds us that:
This journey of formation is never-ending, and it begins where we are. A lifetime of learning — true discipleship — will enrich our lives and enable us to enrich others’ lives as well.
These words resonated with me and have inspired to begin working on a new song. I offer the following as a reminder of our call to pray as a way of growing closer to God. And that this relationship begins where we are and lasts beyond our earthly lifetime.
May this season of Lent be a blessed time of prayer and reflection for each of us.
Deacon Dan Donnelly
More Than a Lifetime
A Lenten Reflection on Prayer by Deacon Dan Donnelly
I come, humbled by your grace
For I am broken, but I know I am yours
I come, to this time and space
To be awakened to your mercy and love
Calm my heart, soothe my soul
Draw me in, O Breath of God!
It will take me more than a lifetime
To understand your love
To give my heart completely
And know you as you are
For all of my lifetime, I will cling to you
Longing for that day when I will
See you face-to-face in all your glory!
My soul struggles to be free
From all that binds me, from what’s holding me back
My heart hides behind these walls
That separate me from the glory of You
Calm my heart, soothe my soul
Draw me in, O Breath of God!
It will take me more than a lifetime
To understand your love
To give my heart completely
And know you as you are
For all of my lifetime, I will cling to you
Longing for that day when I will
See you face-to-face in all your glory!
I will join you in prayer (in Your Holy Presence)
I will never despair (for You are always with me)
Though I see you now so dimly, some day just as you are
I will know you as you are!
It will take me more than a lifetime
To understand your love
To give my heart completely
And know you as you are
For all of my lifetime, I will cling to you
Longing for that day when I will
See you face-to-face in all your glory!
Copyright © 2014 Daniel R. Donnelly. All Rights Reserved.
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Deacon Dan Donnelly 