Fr. Ciszek did. No, he is not canonized, but that week a friend introduced me to his book, "He Leadeth Me", and his subsequent book, "With God in Russia." Oh, yes, indeed, the good Father was praying for me and I found much need to call upon his mechanical expertise in my years as a miserable and under trained claims investigator/adjuster.
This morning, on my way to work, his "Prayer of Surrender" kept coming to mind; certain portions of it stood out and his biggest adage, which is often set forth in the Liturgy of the Hours: "Surrender to God and He will do everything for you."
Even though I didn't understand the random prayers, I prayed them sincerely, for I love them and they have guided me through some very serious trials.
This afternoon, I came across an article about Fr. Ciszek's cause for canonization, and sent it on to a few friends who know of him and also found great value in his spirituality, trials, and testimony.
Then, this evening, I went to leave work and sure enough, my car would not start. Two different co-workers using two different sets of jumper cables worked with me to start my car. The battery wouldn't hold a charge.As usual, I assumed the worst: alternator. Starter. All of it, all at once. And never mind the fact I'm overdue for a transmission flush and about due for an oil change. Oh, and one of the NEW brakes is grinding again.
Don't get me started.
After the last jump attempt failed, I walked around my car, knowing it would remain there until it was towed. I don't have the money. I have a credit card which, although I'm nowhere near the max, is high enough and I can barely pay it each month. (In fact, I have 2 cards that have attained the "barely-being-paid" status thanks to car problems, grad books over 3 years, and other random things my meager paycheck doesn't cover).
Facing this problem, I just sighed. "Lord, Thy will be done."
I did all I could, my co-workers did all they could. I was grateful for their efforts, and grateful to have a ride home. God could do what He wanted with my car....I was bereft.
Surrender
I left work and called the tow driver from my pre-paid cell to give him the info. He couldn't get it until morning. Fine. I preferred an evening pickup, but it was what it was.
Tonight a friend called me and said he thinks he can fix my car. After some discussion, we realized that perhaps there was an applicable warranty, perhaps it is the battery and not the much more expensive alternator, and perhaps this situation isn't so bad as I thought.
Tomorrow morning I will be making some calls, but until then, I am praying to Fr. Walter Ciszek for his mechanical intercession, once again, and suspect he has been praying for this very issue for some time now.
Surrender to God, indeed. He knows how much we can take, and how much our finances can take.
Please pray for me, and pray for the canonization of Fr. Ciszek, who does his work behind the scenes and apparently, in the engines of cars owned by paupers like me.
PRAYER OF SURRENDER
Lord Jesus Christ, I ask the grace to accept the sadness in my heart, as your will for me, in this moment. I offer it up, in union with your sufferings, for those who are in deepest need of your redeeming grace. I surrender myself to your Father's will and I ask you to help me to move on to the next task that you have set for me.
Spirit of Christ, help me to enter into a deeper union with you. Lead me away from dwelling on the hurt I feel:
to thoughts of charity for those who need my love
to thoughts of compassion for those who need my care, and to thoughts of giving to those who need my help.
As I give myself to you, help me to provide for the salvation of those who come to me in need.
May I find my healing in this giving.
May I always accept God's will.
May I find my true self by living for others in a spirit of sacrifice and suffering.
May I die more fully to myself, and live more fully in you.
As I seek to surrender to the Father's will, may I come to trust that he will do everything for me.
With Ecclesiastical Approval
adapted from the spiritual teachings of Rev. Walter J. Ciszek, SJ.
The Father Walter Ciszek Prayer League, Inc.,
231 North Jardin Street
Shenandoah, PA 17976
(570) 462-2270
Official Organization for the Promotion of the Cause of Canonization of REV. WALTER J. CISZEK, S.J.
4 comments:
Oh J! That prayer is so beautiful! I am so glad you posted it. I am printing it out. I'll keep you and your car situation in my prayers. I am of the thinking that car problems and mice are a form of demonic harassment! (Kidding!...or am I??)
I've always had a fear of war, so I gobbled up Fr. Ciszek's book and how he dealt with being, essentially, a prisoner of war. I remember the scene where he is on the train to the prison and thugs steal his extra clothes and he asks himself if he will have to give up his virtues in order to survive. Not only does he keep his faith, he becomes a quiet hero. He's so vulnerable and weak and human in the book. I wonder if it ever occurred to him that all his seemingly pointless suffering would fill a stranger like me with such hope and courage.
Mrs. Andy ~ Oh, I wouldn't be at all surprised if this were all a spiritual attack!
CK ~ I have to read his books again. His spiritual director was so wise to ask him to write them for us!
As I read the brief story of Fr. Ciszek, I was very touched through all the sacrifices he made but still remained "Christ in the prison camp". Then as I found out this prayer of surrender I wish that I can make sacrifices to others and be Christ to others.
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