Thomas Merton Prayer
Tim Archer commented on a post below with these words: “I like what Glenn Pemberton once said about the story of Nadab and Abihu and their two brothers: ‘The good news is that God looks on the heart. The bad news is that God looks on the heart’.”
So what are we supposed to do when the heart is deceitful above all things? This reminded me of the prayer I pray every morning (among other prayers, including the Serenity Prayer) written by Thomas Merton:
“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 that 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 through I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I 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.”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.”
Amen
John Mark
April 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Amen.
I love St. Thomas Merton. He also led me to Robert Lax, who’s poetry I found to be funny, enjoyable and spiritual. I think I feel a post comming on!
-Joel
April 17th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Thank you for sharing this. God has a sense of humor and a love of the serendipitous.
April 18th, 2008 at 7:39 am
It is a good thing that prayers don’t have to be original … I am going to steal this one.
Seeking Shalom,
Bobby V
April 18th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Wonderful post and thank you so much brother for sharing this with us. God laughes at the jokes we tell. You have made me laugh too. I want you to know I love reading your blog. It is a blessing to my life. It uplifts my spirit and encourages me to live a better discipled life in Christ. God bless you for all you are doing and the difference you are making for the Kingdom of God. I hope you have a wonderful and fun weekend.
In Him,
Kinnney Mabry
Aka,
Preacherman
April 26th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Beautiful prayer….thanks for sharing this with us.
I remember we used to read Merton’s poems in class and he was one of my favorites.I found his writings a bit difficult but very beautiful.Check out what rhapsodysinger has to say about his works at
http://dailylight.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/reading-156-from-thomas-merton/
thanks again.;)
August 27th, 2008 at 6:53 am
I enjoy the fact that, as of lately, every time I “google” this prayer, this blog is the first entry.