MIRACULOUS MIRACLES™

Prayer — Prayers of the Saints

God has created me to do Him some definite service

Newman's Meditation

by St. John Henry Newman

Cardinal Newman's meditation on his vocation — that every soul has a unique work given by God that no one else can do.

The Prayer
English · Original
God has created me to do Him some definite service.
He has committed some work to me
which He has not committed to another.
I have my mission.
I may never know it in this life,
but I shall be told it in the next.

I am a link in a chain,
a bond of connection between persons.
He has not created me for naught.
I shall do good; I shall do His work.
I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place,
while not intending it
if I do but keep His commandments
and serve Him in my calling.

Therefore I will trust Him.
Whatever I am, I can never be thrown away.
If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him;
in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him;
if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.
He does nothing in vain;
He may prolong my life, He may shorten it.
He knows what He is about.
Amen.
When the Prayer is Said

Personal devotion; at vocational discernment; at confirmation.

History & Background

John Henry Newman wrote this meditation as part of his series 'Meditations and Devotions' (March 1848), shortly after his conversion from Anglicanism (1845) and ordination as a Catholic priest (1847). It is the most-anthologized passage from his devotional writings.

Mother Teresa carried a printed copy of the text in her habit and gave it to every postulant of the Missionaries of Charity. The meditation is read at many First Communions and confirmations; it was prayed at the canonization of Newman by Pope Francis on October 13, 2019.

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