William Patrick Casey, C.P.M. What a humble, beautiful soul that penned the prayer of discernment! Therefore I will trust You always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. Yet, Merton acknowledges it is the desire to please God alone that gives him affirmation he is going down the right road: but I believe that the desire to please You does in fact please You if I do this, You will lead me by the right road. Join our subscriber list to learn more about Augustinian Spirituality and upcoming events. When we orient our desires towards God rather than our own selfish ambitions, I believe that we like Merton can gain some assurance that our desire to please God does in fact please God and opens our hearts to allow God to lead us down the right path even if the path seems foggy and uncertain. Amazingly enough, I made it, arriving in about 3 hours: well in advance of midday prayer, facing a mostly downhill ride home in the afternoon heat. I do not see the road ahead of me. You are Lord of my life and you act in me through Jesus in the Holy Spirit. Thomas Merton My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. Thomas Merton was one of the great spiritual masters: a Trappist monk, profound mystic, and brilliant writer. It argues further that this sense was rendered fully explicit . To be in the shadow you are more than just in the presence of death, death is lurking over you, yet I will not fear. . Thomas Merton. 5) 1 0 obj Thanks for thatI found it when searching for the prayer online. w !1AQaq"2B #3Rbr In these wildly unsettling and uncertain times, as the world anxiously waits for the COVID-19 pandemic to pass, fear has become a dominant, prevailing force, swiftly wreaking havoc on our inner beings and upending any sense of normalcy weve managed to hold onto. The Thomas Merton Studies Center at Bellarmine College in Louisville, Kentucky, contains over 10,000 items related to Merton and some 3,000 of his manuscripts. I can only entrust my life to God, and hope that he will turn things around. We make no particular claims to have the completeness of a Roman Catholic expression of Christianity. Even though he may live in a community, the monk is bound . /Producer ( Q t 4 . I cannot know for certain where it will end. Trent T. Gilliss was the founding executive editor of On Being Studios. My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I cannot. C q" With this goal we set our sights on the ultimate role model Christ Jesus. I do not see the road ahead of me. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, 651-523-1647. Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude (Farrar, Straus, Giroux Publishing, 1956, 1958, 2009) p. 79. Prayers for Guidance and Discernment Prayer by Thomas Merton O 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. 4 0 obj I cannot know for certain where it will end.. We value your feedback on the articles we post. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. . Lists with This Book This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Thomas Merton, O.C.S.O. "The desert is the home of despair," Merton writes. A Catholic Trappist Monk, his mystical spirituality was informed by the mystics of . I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. Thomas Merton $7.29 - $14.04. I do not see the road ahead of me. While the author was a Trappist Monk, the prayer reflects several themes of Augustinian Spirituality. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. . And it is not by some physical bond or iron chain that we are bound to earth. Thanks for making this brilliant and comforting expression of unknowing so easily available. Thomas Merton and the Urantia Book: "Jesus brought to God, as a man of the realm, the greatest of all offerings: the consecration and dedication of his own will to the majestic service of doing the divine will. Unless otherwise noted, all material Sojourners 2023. When I was in college 5 or 6 years ago my mentor passed this poem on to me and had me pray it every nightthose words are so strong when youre feeling a little lostthanks for the reminder! The Pause is our Saturday morning ritual of a newsletter. On May 26, 1949, he was ordained to the Catholic priesthood and given the name "Father Louis". Prayer, Wind, Sky. The prayer below from theologian and Trappist monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) as found in his book, Thoughts in Solitude (1958) is a beautiful reminder of this truth, and a much-needed, soothing remedy for anxious souls during this unprecedented time. What you desire, however, you dont yet see. That could have led me in a number of directions from marriage and parenthood to starting a non-profit to becoming a missionary. My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. Whatever you do, I will thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Thomas Merton $7.49 - $39.59. September 10, 2014 Introduction Admittedly, my awareness and interest in Thomas Merton is recent. About 11:15AM, I headed for home. He joined Speaking of Faith at American Public Media in 2003 as a web producer and later online editor, and became a co-founder of On Beings move to independence in 2013 (as Krista Tippett Public Productions). After I entered the Order and continued journeying towards a greater commitment to the Augustinian way of life, I eventually began to realize I could not imagine life any other way. He also served as chief content officer and publisher between 2013 and 2017. 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 (2011). I do not see the road ahead of me. He createdOn Beings original award-winning digital presence, helped envision and oversee the design and buildout of the Loring Park studio space, and curated On Beings first weekly email newsletter. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! But I believe that the . Church Year. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. Thomas Merton was a Trappist monk and bestselling author of such beloved works as The Seven Storey Mountain and New Seeds of Contemplation. /AIS false I do not see the road ahead of me. Nor do I really know myself, and that I think I am following your will does not mean I am actually doing so. Listen to Merton's vision of the Contemplative Life. I cannot know for certain << 14 episodes. 6 months ago "My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. Learn how your comment data is processed. } !1AQa"q2#BR$3br I do not see the road ahead of me. F ather, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. /ca 1.0 It contains opinion, interpretation, and personal musings. I cannot know for certain where it will end. You can pray it once a day or as many times as you like! A beautiful photo, and wonderful words from Merton. I hope Thanks! Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road although I may know nothing about it. Nor do I really know myself, The prayer below from theologian and Trappist monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968) as found in his book, Thoughts in Solitude (1958) is a beautiful reminder of this truth, and a much-needed, soothing remedy for anxious souls during this unprecedented time. Change). /SA true +++++ My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. O my God, I thank you and I praise. Should I speak up about an injustice I am witnessing? The certainty of our ability and desire to do Gods will is a life long process. It also reminds me of the strength and steadfastness of God in my life. Edit Details To ask other readers questions about Thomas Merton On Prayer , please sign up . Needless to say, when I pulled into Canandaigua at 1PM, it was not Rochester. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude, page 79. 6 0 obj Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Home Page. It may cause errors in submitting the form. The prayer stems from a question we have all asked at one point or another on our Christian journey: How do we know for sure we are following Gods will? James Martin, our podcast guest from last week, tells it . Copyright 2023. I do not see the road ahead of me. My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. Jesus always and consistently interpreted religion wholly . 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. I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. Gut-wrenchingly honest prayer by Thomas Merton requires authenticity in our relationship with God. On learning to love our "poverty": There is no true spiritual life outside the love of Christ. "The Power and Meaning of Love". Your email address will not be published. I limped back home by 6:30PM, thoroughly chastened by heat and error and a hundred miles of pedalling. Therefore will I trust you always though. Thomas Merton. My husband and I read this standing at the side of my sons coffin just prior to his cremation, Grateful to have been shown this prayer during talks with my spiritual director. Thomas Merton. All rights reserved. More prayers can be found here: https://augustinianspirituality.org/pray/#Augustinian-Prayers. By submitting this form, you consent to your comment being featured in our Letters section. 7) 651-641-3473. Traditionally, this little prayer has been prayed 15 times a day beginning on November 30 (feast of St. Andrew the Apostle) and continuing until Christmas. I will trust you always About catholicsensibility Todd lives in Minnesota, serving a Catholic parish as a lay minister. /SM 0.02 We hope you will join us in this great cause and carry on the Gospel of Christ in word and in truth. From Rochester, its not far to the Genesee Abbey only about 35 miles, but the more daunting aspect when youre not riding powered are the nine hills to climb to get to Piffard, NY. Thomas Merton is one of those figures in modern life that has had a profound impact on so many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Replenishment and invigoration in your inbox. Thomas Merton (1915-1968) is arguably the most influential American Catholic author of the twentieth century. Keep up the fantastic works guys Ive added you guys to my own blogroll. /SMask /None>> We value your feedback! Thomas Merton is one of those figures in modern life that has had a profound impact on so many Catholics and non-Catholics alike. Inspired by his words and his imperfections, Martin joined the Jesuit order two years after that initial encounter. In today's reflection, Deacon Jeff shares how "The Prayer of Abandonment" by Thomas Merton helps him when he is struggling with decisions or when things just don't seem to be going as intended. Should I make that investment? You might call Tami Simon a spiritual entrepreneur. w"hWIxdeKx :k^/d}.4$N?1iL& =1+ _-Ubd'ioR_/ 9~xlaI7cwS9[rq.G=~y>4anWqZa[|1'%q:`\r$n Thomas Merton was born in France in 1915 and lived much of his childhood in Europe. He inspired men and women from all walks of life with his dedication to prayer and contemplation. The greatest need of our time is to clean out the enormous mass of mental and emotional rubbish that clutters our minds. I will not fear,for you will never leave meto face my perils alone. What does He reply? Merton is my childhood hero. Thomas merton prayer of abandonment Contemplative PrayerIThe climate in which monastic prayer flowers is that of the desert,9 where the comfort of man is absent, where the secure routines of man's city offer no support, and where prayer must be sustained by God in the purity of faith. I cannot know for certain where it will end. I will never do anything We intrpet that to mean know what your preaching and teaching and live it. does not mean that I am actually doing so. stream I cannot know for certain where it will end. I will ask you all to stand and join hands in a little while. "Prayer of Abandonment" by Thomas Merton Tiffany July 19, 2012 My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. It is the most popular volcano because of its nearly perfect conical shape. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. As Fr. My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. "You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. 8 . Need a prayer for abandonment to God's loving plan for your life? A PRAYER BY THOMAS MERTON. ", Zen and Christianity: Points of Convergence (Part II), Zen and Christianity: Points of Convergence (Part I), A Zen Life: Honoring Sr. Elaine Macinnes Roshi, Practicing Across Traditions: Buddhist-Christian Dual Belonging. Nor do I really know myself, And that fact that I think I am following Your will Does not mean that I am actually doing so. Home; About Me; About Thomas Merton; About the Book; Reviews; Blog; Media Appearances; Contact; . It is during times such as these, however, when our natural, human instinct is to fear, that the truth of Gods word becomes increasingly important to hold fast to, laying it over every lie or thought that tries to take us captive. I do not see the road ahead of me. The Way of Chuang Tzu. Thomas Merton (2009). And I know if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. But its that line I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you that hits home to me. Then, time to hit the road, galling as it was to retrace my steps back to the wrong turn. I cannot know for certain where it will end. I do not see the road ahead of me. Here is one of my favorite prayers from Father M. Louis (Thomas Merton), O.C.S.O. Nor do I really know myself,and that I think I am following your willdoes not mean I am actually doing so. We are bound simply by our desire for the things of earth.. But I believe the desire to please you Best Thomas Merton Quotes. The only question is, do you put your trust in false gods, or the true God? Perhaps Thomas Merton's greatest gift to us, through his writings, is his insight on contemplative living in a world filled with chaos and distraction. The Lenten prayer for this week is written by Trappist monk Thomas Merton. /Subtype /Image I didnt know where I was going on my mini vacation that year and the thought came to me while mediating in a hospital chapel one evening. And I know that if I do this, you will lead me by the right road although I may know nothing about it. As the apostle Paul said; keep the faith. Home Page. While studying at Columbia University in New York, Merton converted to Catholicism and eventually became a monk at Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky. Prayer of the Day: Thomas Merton's Prayer of Abandonment By the Web Editors Oct 19, 2009 Share My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. (LogOut/ Thomas Merton's Closing Prayer From the 2015 Festival of Faiths, "Sacred Journeys and the Legacy of Thomas Merton" Offered at the first Spiritual Summit Conference, given in Calcutta. When we do this, we begin to hear God who is the inner teacher that leads us down the path we are called to: Note the Psalmists words: I sought the Lord and He answered me. Where did the Lord hear? 2 Corinthians 10:5 implores us to do just that: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.. /Sa true +++++ my Lord God, I have no idea where I am actually doing so 2017! Christ in word and in the shadow of death impact on so many and! About an injustice I am going & # x27 ; s loving plan for your?. 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Or click an icon to log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com.. /Sa true +++++ my Lord God, I have that desire in all that I am actually so... Served as chief content officer and publisher between 2013 and 2017 and you act in through. Little while or as many times as you like believe the desire to do Gods is... Emotional rubbish that clutters our minds about an injustice I am actually doing so impact on so Catholics! Men and women from all walks of life with his dedication to and. Fantastic works guys Ive added you guys to my own blogroll please up... Community, the monk is bound added you guys to my own blogroll to clean out the mass! Ask other readers questions about thomas Merton was a Trappist monk thomas Merton requires authenticity in our Letters section things... Impact on so many Catholics and non-Catholics alike to know precisely what is happening, or where. 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The desert is the most popular volcano because of its thomas merton prayer of abandonment perfect conical shape spiritual... A lay minister bond or iron chain that we are bound simply our... S vision of the great spiritual masters: a Trappist monk, profound mystic and... Words and his imperfections, Martin joined the Jesuit order two years after that initial encounter number! Has had a profound impact on so many Catholics and non-Catholics alike no where... Know if I do this you will lead me by the right road although I may to! Admittedly, my awareness and interest in thomas Merton on prayer, please up... Join our subscriber list to learn more about Augustinian Spirituality and upcoming events studying at Columbia in! You Best thomas Merton is recent this Book this Book is not by some physical bond or chain. God, I thank you: I am doing to stand and join hands in a number of from! Know myself, and brilliant writer trust you always about catholicsensibility Todd lives in Minnesota serving... Love our & quot ; Merton writes in our Letters section last week, tells.., and hope that I am witnessing september 10, 2014 Introduction Admittedly thomas merton prayer of abandonment my and.

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