St John Henry Newman, the English convert and cardinal canonized in 2019, wrote a meditation on exactly that question. He didn’t promise we’d always see our purpose clearly. He promised we have one.
Historical Context
Some Definite Service (St John Henry Newman)
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.
Therefore I will trust him.
A Prayer for Purpose
Lord, I want my life to mean something.
Show me why you made me, and what you want me to do.
Help me use the gifts you’ve given me,
and be faithful in the small tasks in front of me today,
even when I can’t see the big picture.
I trust that you have not created me for nothing.
Amen.
When You Feel Lost
Lord, I don’t know where I’m going.
Light the next step. That’s enough for now.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- At graduation, retirement or a career change.
- When work feels meaningless.
- On 9 October, St John Henry Newman’s feast.
Scripture Connection
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10
Paul says the good works were prepared before we were. Purpose isn’t something we invent; it’s something we discover and walk into.
Related prayers
For direction, see the Prayer for Vision and Prayer for Confusion. For passion, the Prayer for Passion.