The Merton Prayer

 

The other day, I was feeling a bit out of sorts, floundering a little, basically somewhat empty.  It was far from an existential crisis or a depression requiring any sort of intervention.  It was more the ebb and flow of emotions, motivation, self-esteem, and a wee bit of ‘what’s it all about’ angst.  Needless to say, I was also feeling a tad lethargic.

I was scrolling around in Facebook which, admittedly, might not have been the wisest thing to be doing.  Social media is generally thought to create more angst than it dissipates.   Well, in this case it helped.  A friend, Shant, posted The Merton Prayer without any explanation or commentary.  I read and  immediately felt much better, more centered, and purposeful.

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 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.

Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was an American Trappist monk, writer, theologian, and mystic. Born in France and educated in the United States, Merton entered the Abbey of Gethsemani in Kentucky in 1941, where he lived most of his life. He is best known for his autobiography The Seven Storey Mountain (1948), which became a spiritual classic and brought him international fame. Merton wrote extensively on spirituality, social justice, and interfaith dialogue, particularly between Christianity and Eastern religions. His writings continue to inspire those interested in contemplative life and social activism.  He was very popular with several philosophy majors in my circle of friends when I was an undergraduate.  They all, went, to the premier Jesuit High School in Detroit.

I never did get around reading anything by Merton even though I recall they suggested Thoughts in Solitude.  Had I taken their advice and read that book back then, I would have been aware of The Merton Prayer fifty years ago.  I am almost certain The Merton Prayer would not have had nearly the same impact back then as my reading it a few days ago.

    The Merton Prayer is a deeply reflective and honest expression of spiritual humility and trust in God. The prayer acknowledges the uncertainty and confusion often felt in the journey of faith, where one may not always know if they are following the right path or any path at all for that matter. Despite this uncertainty, Merton expresses a profound trust in God's guidance, believing that the desire to please God is itself a sign of being on the right path. The prayer's value lies in its affirmation that sincere intention and trust in God are what ultimately guide a person's spiritual journey, even when the way forward seems unclear. It resonates with many for its honesty and its emphasis on faith amid doubt.  It allows for communities of faith but also personalizes one’s journey and relationship with God.

To me, religion and faith was always a bridge from we empirically know in this world, actually it is more like what we think we know, and what happens to us after we die.  Faith is the only solace to that question that no living person knows the answer to.  The nature and axioms of one's faith also guidance in how to live our lives.

This is a very comforting prayer.  Thank you Shant.