a pilgrim's prayer

the other night when I was staying at Domaine des Mathieux, the owners invited us all to their house for an apperitif. When we had gathered in their living room and been handed a glass of Cahors wine (more robust and fruity than most French wine, I liked it!) one of them handed us each a small slip of paper with this prayer on it. Bob read it aloud for us and of the many pilgrim blessings I've read and heard so far, this was by far the most beautiful. It reminded me that millions of people throughout history have made their way along this road, especially those hundreds of years ago when bandits and starvation were real concerns (I get worried about blisters and the cafes not being open). I thought I'd share it.

A pilgrim's prayer

God,
Invisible pilgrim of the human adventure
and secret presence of each one's life.
Loyal companion of the footpaths
where, often blindly, we make our way.
Give us the necessary inspiration
to start and restart our path.
Dare to believe there is always a way out,
overcome our fear of getting lost.
Attempt, against all hope, to get through the night.
And remind us constantly of the essential truth.
The inner kingdom, the hidden treasure
are revealed only by walking.
Sent to the unknown, answering an innermost call,
they precede us - the pilgrims of all times,
full of faith which moves mountains,
patient and passionate.
We who are on the way today,
obey, like them, the Word...
That pulls us onwards.
Plain words whose truth enlightens along the course of adventure.
Further, onwards, deeper.

Jacques Musset