My Prayers Are Different Now

 

In my book, Driven By Desperation, I recounted my childhood memories of watching shipping vessels sailing along the distant horizon, all passing me by, all heading somewhere that I knew offered better opportunities than I could ever imagine. My life back then often seemed like a collection of closed doors. Yet at the same time I also knew that if I prayed to God long enough and hard enough, He would open them.
 
“Please, God,” I implored, “help me to find a way to change my circumstances. But first,” I added, “please help me find something to eat!”
 
Well, over the years God came through––although it took a pretty long time, and I soon realized that part of the deal was getting off my behind, taking slow, gradual, necessary steps and never, ever being afraid of hard work.
 
Nowadays, as you know, my thriving corporation and the Foundation I’ve established in Jamaica have both become huge sources of pride.
 
I still talk to God on a daily basis, but the substance of what I say has changed. Now my prayers sound more like this:
 
“Please help me to stay humble, focused, energetic and kind.”
 
“Please help me to safeguard my good health and stamina by consuming mostly fruits and vegetables, by exercising and meditating regularly and breathing fresh air on a daily basis. I won’t be much good to anyone else if I’m careless with my body or my spirit.”
 
“Please help me to follow my best instincts about whom I hire and whom I help. I need to surround myself with great, talented people who understand my mission. I need to give to those who will ‘get it,’ pass along my goodwill to others who will use it in ways that result in multiplication, not division.”
 
“Please don’t ever let me get sidetracked by the rampant materialism that pervades our culture.”
 
And finally: “Please know that you and I are buddies for life––even if you are God, the Heavenly Host, the King of Kings! I know you’ll take that as a compliment.”

 

 


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