This prayer of Father Thomas Keating and its radical call to be open to the love of God struck me as we cross the threshold into 2023. May we be increasingly open to the love and activity of the Triune God amidst all that life will throw at us in this new year…
The Welcoming Prayer
Welcome, welcome, welcome.
I welcome everything that comes to me today, because I know it is for my healing.
I welcome all thoughts, feelings, emotions, persons, situations, and conditions.
I let go of my desire for power and control.
I let go of my desire for affection, esteem, approval, and pleasure.
I let go of my desire for survival and security.
I let go of my desire to change any situation, condition, person or myself.
I open to the love and presence of God and God’s action within. Amen.
Father Thomas Keating
Reflect and Pray
- Where is your attention particularly drawn to in this prayer?
- What things are currently keeping you from opening yourself to God’s love and activity?
- Where might the Spirit be inviting you to less control and more welcome?
