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St. Paul’s words have stayed with me, Lord,
since hearing them at Mass on Sunday morning:
I have competed well,I wonder...
I have finished the race,
I have kept the faith…
at the end of my days
when “my departure is at hand”
will I pray with Paul's confidence?
Indeed, can I speak with Paul's surety now,
in the midst of my days?
Do I compete well in life’s contest:
the struggle in my heart and soul
between your ways, Lord, and mine?
When my desires pull me in one direction
and your desire for me pulls in another - who wins?
And more importantly, when my desires win,
what do I lose?
I offer you the contest, Lord,Do I stay in the race, Lord?
and ask you to be my coach, my trainer,
my referee...
Do I keep a steady pace on the rough roads
or do I lag behind the strength and encouragement
you never fail to offer me?
Do I keep my eye on the finish line,
on the prize that awaits me:
the crown of your victory, sized for my brow?
I offer you the race, Lord,Do I keep the faith, Lord?
and pray you’ll pace me with your grace
in the lane that you’ve marked out for me…
Do I hold fast to you, trust you, lean on you -
in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health,
whether convenient or inconvenient?
Do I stand firm when troubles shake me, trusting
that the faith that’s brought me safe thus far
will bring me home to you
when “my departure is at hand?”
I offer you all the days of my life, Lord,In times of defeat, Lord, be my strength,
and pray you’ll strengthen my faith
and deepen my trust in you and your love…
in times of victory, be my joy
and in all times be my heart's true champion...
Help me compete well, Lord,
help me finish the race
and help me keep the faith!
Amen.
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