Acting Quote by Thomas Merton
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of the Soul, Thomas Merton, 1975
Prayer should not be self‑centered; it must acknowledge dependence on God rather than demand personal gain.
In simple terms: Prayer must stay humble, not self‑serving.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility in prayer.
Themes
humility
spirituality
dependence
Mood
reflective
reverent
Type
spiritual
theological
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- spiritual counseling
- church services
- daily meditation
Key Concepts
theology
prayer
self‑transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you shift from asking for yourself to seeking God's will?
- What does true dependence on God look like?
A Different Perspective
May be difficult for those accustomed to asking for personal benefits.
