HomeIgnatian PrayerSome Definite Service

Some Definite Service

I’ve already mentioned The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ. Sprinkled throughout are prayers and poems. I really liked this one from John Henry Cardinal Newman [1801-1890].

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.

…Therefore I will trust Him.

Whatever, wherever 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;

in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.

…He does nothing in vain.

…He knows what He is about.

Paul Brian Campbell, SJ
Paul Brian Campbell, SJ
Paul Brian Campbell, SJ, is a Jesuit priest and associate pastor at Holy Trinity Parish in Washington, DC. Previously the Publisher at Loyola Press, Father Paul continues his dedication to encouraging others to work together and find God in all things.

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