During these tumultuous and challenging times, I have found this prayer to be a source of comfort and strength, and would like to share it both in its original form, and in an adaptation by Maria Gullo in her guided meditation on the Insight Timer App.
The original prayer
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life;
rather look to them with full hope as they arise.
God, whose very own you are,
will deliver you from out of them.
He has kept you hitherto,
and He will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will bury you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same everlasting Father who cares for you today
will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering,
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
Maria's adaptation
Do not look forward in fear and anxiety to the challenges and chances of this life;
they are inevitable.
Rather look forward in hope with full confidence,
that as changes and challenges arise,
God, to whom you belong
will in His love enable you to profit by them,
and will deliver you, for God is your keeper.
God has guided you up to this point in your life,
and he will continue to lead you safely through all things,
including all trials and triumphs.
And when you cannot stand
God will bear you in His arms.
So release your grip on worry
and hold tightly to the hands of God,
who is safely leading you.
Do not look forward in fear to what may happen tomorrow,
for the same everlasting God who cares for you today
will take care of you tomorrow,
and every day after.
God will either shield you from suffering,
and when it is necessary,
God will give you unfailing strength and courage to bear it.
Therefore put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations
and be at peace,
for Grace abounds to you in this very moment
and all the moments in your life.
Remember: Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself. Yogananda.
