Thomas Merton’s Prayer

This is one of Thomas Merton’s most famous prayers. It was originally posted here as part of my personal rule of life. While I no longer post my rule, I’ve continued to maintain this page due to its great popularity.

This prayer is obviously heart felt and full of humility, and reflects the common struggle we all have with our temporal self.  It strikes deep, every time I read and pray it.

– jeff.

~:~

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart  from that desire. And I know that, if I do this , You will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and You will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton
Thoughts in Solitude

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Here is Thomas Merton’s prayer as read by Fr. Matthew Kelty, OSCO,
a monk of the Abbey of Gethsemani

source: Merton Institute
YouTube Channel

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Revised: December 18, 2011