Thomas Merton Prayer

“The only thing to seek in life is God’s will—everything else will follow from that.” — Thomas Merton

The Prayer

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.

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About This Prayer

The Thomas Merton prayer is a profound meditation on trust, humility, and surrender to God’s will. Written by Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk and one of the most influential Catholic spiritual writers of the 20th century, this prayer is often quoted for its honesty and depth. It expresses the human tension between uncertainty and faith, and speaks powerfully to anyone discerning their vocation or experiencing spiritual confusion. The prayer is taken from Merton’s book Thoughts in Solitude (1958), where he reflects on the interior life and divine guidance in silence and contemplation.

When To Pray

The Thomas Merton prayer is ideal during times of discernment, transition, or uncertainty. It is especially helpful in the morning as a daily surrender, during retreats, or whenever one feels lost or unsure of God’s will. Many also pray it before beginning new work, studies, or vocations, entrusting the journey to God despite the unknowns.