If the only prayer I say is thank you, that will be enough

10Apr
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,
  for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
  for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
  for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,
  for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,
  for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
  for they will be called children of God.
-Matthew 5:3-12



Meister Eckhart was a great German theologian who lived 700 years ago, born in the year 1260 and he died in 1328. He was renowned for his preaching, focusing on the mystical union of the human soul with God, and was influenced by St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Albert the Great. He is also remembered for a very short and simple prayer written about gratitude. It goes like this, “ If the only prayer I say is thank you, that will be enough”. 


Meister Eckhart was not only a theologian and a priest, he was also a member of the Order of Preachers commonly known as the Dominicans. As a former member of the same Order and now as a priest in the Episcopal Church, allow me to use the words of this simple yet profound prayer from my Dominican brother, Meister Eckhart, to help me express what I would like to share with you.


“If the only prayer I say is thank you, that will be enough.” 


When considering the call be be makers of peace, I will say thank you to my mother who was the greatest spiritual influence in my life. She was a fierce Presbyterian who often said, “you have to work at peace.” 


Now the first time I remember my Mom saying this was when she intervened in a scuffle between me and my brother. My brother is four years older than me and I’ve always been known as the feisty little brother. So, trust me,we gave my Mom many opportunities to use the phrase you have to work for peace. But when we were young it never made much sense.


It wasn’t until much later in my life that I finally recognized the magnitude of what she was saying. For we do have to work at peace. 


May God give us the courage, the faith, and the grace to always begin our prayers with two words “thank you”. May this gratitude transform our lives and may this gratitude transform our world. And as your spiritual journey unfolds in front of you, I simply say, thank YOU for being faithful. 


Musical Reflection - The Beatitudes - Paul Winter Consort


Thank you for praying for the city of New Orleans, 

Thank you for praying for our country.  

Thank you for praying for the country of Iran and all points in between 

Thank you for working for peace. 

Thank you for being kind.

Thank you for showing mercy.

Thank you for loving unconditionally.  

And always remember……

If the only prayer YOU say is “thank you” that, my dear friends, will be enough. Amen.

Thankfulness

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