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It is a kind of pride to insist that none of our prayers…

“It is a kind of pride to insist that none of our prayers should ever be petitions for our own needs: for this is only another subtle way of trying to put ourselves on the same plane as God – acting as if we had no needs, as if we were not creatures, not dependent on Him and dependent, by His will…” quote by Thomas Merton
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“It is a kind of pride to insist that none of our prayers should ever be petitions for our own needs: for this is only another subtle way of trying to put ourselves on the same plane as God – acting as if we had no needs, as if we were not creatures, not dependent on Him and dependent, by His will, on material things, too.”

Thomas Merton

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True humility means praying without personal desire, recognizing our dependence on God and material needs, rather than claiming equality with the divine.

In simple terms: Pray without selfish wishes, acknowledging dependence on God.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑less prayer.

Themes

spirituality humility dependence

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • daily prayer
  • spiritual counseling
  • faith communities
  • personal meditation

Key Concepts

theology psychology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you balance humility with honest need?
  • What role does dependence play in spiritual growth?
A Different Perspective

Self‑effort may ignore genuine human needs.

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