The Merton Prayer

“The Merton Prayer” is not a magical incantation. It is a heartfelt, gut-wrenchingly honest reaching-out to God and looking inward to view our true and false selves. Thomas Merton’s well-known prayer might change your life as it has the author’s. In this unique “exercise in authenticity” are fourteen reflections on the prayer by ordained clergyman, Middle-Eastern language scholar, and attorney Steven A. Denny that each unpack a single phrase or line of the 158 total words in “The Merton Prayer” using:

Visual Metaphors: Four-color photographs that allow you to reflect on your initial emotional reactions and responses evoked by a few words of “The Merton Prayer.”

Scriptural Bases: Six scriptural passages that jump out with confirmation of what Merton is praying.

Exegesis: The real meaning of Merton’s words that you are encouraged to “ask and keep on asking about, making your asking a matter of daily habitual behavior.”

Personal Stories: How Merton’s prayer has spoken to the author and others regarding their disappointments, joys, unexpected career changes, brushes with illness or death, and other major life events.

Turn It, Turn It, Turn It: Questions designed to stimulate your serious and deep reflection on the profound words of “The Merton Prayer.”