The Prayer of a Lifetime: Between the Dash

Between the cradle and the grave

If, by chance, God gives me the privilege of knowing my end, my one request would be simple:

Use me, God.

But my end date is not my primary concern. It matters not how close, how short, or when it comes. What truly consumes my thoughts is the opportunity, or lack thereof, given to me today. The chance to fulfil the purpose and to use the gifts that God has so graciously entrusted to me.

I am not writing a morbid story. It is not a goodbye. For in God, there is no end, only a passing through, and a final, well-earned rest.

But before that rest, I want to have completed all my tasks.

In the face of today’s relentless challenges, I do not pray for an easy path. My prayer is that, whenever my journey ends, I will be found strong in faith and standing firmly upon the only foundation, that of Jesus Christ, which cannot be shaken or moved.

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25

That Solid Rock is Christ. And upon Him, I want to build my life.

My greatest desire, my constant prayer, is to fulfil God’s purpose for me all the days of my life. I want to fight the good fight, to run the race with perseverance, and to cross the finish line knowing I gave it my all.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

I want a prayer for a life of impact. I want a faith that can move mountains, not for my own glory, but to clear the path for others. I want to do what little I can to equip, strengthen, and inspire others on their own journey with the Lord. I want to use every gift, every resource, every breath the Lord has given me to ensure that His light burns brightly in a world filled with darkness.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

My friend, our time on earth will come to an end. This end is a truth we all share. But the dash, that small line between the year of our birth and the year of our death, holds our entire legacy.

Let this truth settle in your soul: That dash is our offering.

I speak not to unsettle you, but because this is the urgency I feel - not a fear of the end, but a passion for the time between. So that when our time comes to let go, we can do so without regret. Let there be no clinging to a life half-lived, no anguish over unfulfilled tasks. Do now so we can release our grip in perfect peace because we have poured ourselves out entirely for the purpose for which we entered this world.

So let us live with our eyes wide open to this grace. Let us use our dash so well that when we finally step into that rest, we will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Let us live a life so full of purpose that our final breath is not an end, but a triumphant “Amen” to a life well-lived.

Written by

Angela Doreen October 8, 2025