Nov. 17: Make Me an Optimist

Hope needs to be an essential element of our daily lives if we’re going to live joyfully the way God intends.  That’s certainly been the Christopher belief since our founder, Maryknoll Father James Keller, chose as our motto the ancient Chinese proverb, “It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.”

Here’s a prayer written by Nancy F. Summers for Living Faith magazine that should help you keep hope alive:

“O God, for this new day now dawning, make me an optimist.  Although there are signs of hope surrounding me, sometimes I see only the negative, the imperfections, the decay.  Teach me to refocus on the marvelous possibilities, the great potentialities, the vibrant new life which fills my world each new day.  Whenever my vision is darkened by pessimism, open my eyes, Lord, to the light of hope.  Amen.”

I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for

your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with

hope.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by negativity, Lord, so teach me to trust in You and be a person of hope.