Last week in the Flocknote reflection, I shared a prayer from Thomas Merton that centered upon the theme of mercy. Today, I would like to share one of his most famous prayers which comes from his 1958 book Thoughts in Solitude. Even though Merton died in 1968, which is more than 50 years ago, his influence on American Catholicism still continues today. When Pope Francis visited the United States in 2015, he mentioned four Americans in his address to Congress. He stated that these four Americans, through their hard work and sacrifice, were able to help build a better future for our country and to shape our fundamental American values. In addition to President Abraham Lincoln, Civil Rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., and founder of the Catholic Worker movement Dorothy Day, the Pope also mentioned Trappist Monk Thomas Merton. In addition to the text of the prayer below, I have included a video of the prayer by one of the monks from the Abbey in Kentucky where Merton lived. Have a blessed week everyone. We look forward to seeing you this weekend when we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord. Father Lincoln.
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFTniXn0ZCM
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