An authentic prayer by Thomas Merton

Prayers can be contrived at times, but they can also be deeply authentic. Take this famous prayer by Thomas Merton as an example. There is so much heart and honesty in his words, that I feel we all can relate to his thoughts.

"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

Hebrews 5:7 - While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God.

Living in Grace

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A prayer of authenticity

I have come to understand that my most 'effective' prayers are usually my most honest outbursts. I feel that God delights in our authenticity, because it means we are being our true selves before His throne. How hard (or easy) is it for you to be fully authentic before the Lord?

Psalm 31:23 - Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full.

"Eternal God, you have been the hope and joy of many generations, and who in all ages has given people the power to seek you and in seeking to find you. Grant me, a clearer vision of your truth, a greater faith in your power and a more confident assurance of your love. Amen." - John Baillie 

Living in Grace

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A 17th Century prayer that still resonates today

I was looking for something in one of my desk drawers today and I stumbled across this lovely prayer that I had completely forgotten about. It is accredited to a 17th Century nun, and I think it is still very pertinent for us in the 21st Century. Hope you enjoy it and that it resonates with you. There is so much beauty in her words: 

"Lord, you know better than I know myself that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. 

Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. 

Make me thoughtful but not moody; helpful but not bossy. 

With my vast store of wisdom, it seems a pity not to use it all, 

but you know Lord, that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;

give me wings to get to the point. Seal my lips on my aches and pains. 

They are increasing and love of rehearsing them is becoming sweeter as the years go by. 

I dare not ask for grace enough to enjoy the tales of other’s pains, 

but help me to endure them with patience. 

I dare not ask for improved memory, but for a growing humility and a lessening cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. 

Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet; 

I do not want to be a saint – some of them are so hard to live with – 

but a sour old person is one of the crowning works of the Devil. 

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places and 

talents in unexpected people. 

And give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Amen."

Living in Grace

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Why is it so hard for me?

"Why, O Lord, is it so hard for me

to keep my heart directed toward you?
Why does my mind wander off in so many directions,
and why does my heart desire
the things that lead me astray?
Let me sense your presence in the midst of my turmoil.
Take my tired body,
my confused mind,
and my restless soul into your arms
and give me rest, simple quiet rest." - Henri Nouwen

I believe that one of the most important things to focus on, during Lent, is our honesty and authenticity. This prayer strikes a chord with me, as it 'tells it as it is' - Henri Nouwen owns his frailty, but still reaches out to God for strength and rest.

How is your Lenten journey going?

Psalm 10:1 - "Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?"

Living in Grace

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