Dear Members and Friends of IBCZ,
Ignatius of Loyola was a sixteenth-century Catholic priest from Spain. With several others, he formed the religious order known as The Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits. The Jesuits are known for education and missionary work.
He composed a prayer of surrender that is called the Suscipe, from the first word of the prayer in Latin, which means “Take” or “Receive.” If you find yourself not knowing what to say in prayer, this short prayer may help you. Even if you are never at a loss as to what to say in prayer, this is still a very meaningful prayer that can enrich your prayer life and your walk with God.
You can keep a copy in your Bible or some handy place and pray it occasionally. Do not simply repeat it, for there is no value in that, but take your time to pray it thoughtfully and sincerely. In English, the Suscipe goes like this:
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
my memory, my understanding,
and my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.
What an insightful perspective on what truly matters! When God’s love and grace fill our hearts, our souls will be at rest, and we will know true joy. May this be true for all of us!
Grace and peace,
Pastor Bob