Answers Quote by Thomas Merton
“What is the use of praying if at the very moment of prayer, we have so little confidence in God that we are busy planning our own kind of answer to our prayer?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton, 1948
Prayer without trust becomes a self‑directed plan, undermining its purpose and meaning.
In simple terms: Lack of faith turns prayer into planning.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate genuine trust before praying.
Themes
faith
prayer
self‑doubt
authenticity
Mood
contemplative
reflective
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- religious counseling
- spiritual retreats
Key Concepts
spirituality
trust
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you build trust in the divine?
- What does authentic prayer look like?
A Different Perspective
If confidence is low, prayer may feel futile.
![“[L]et us believe that all is going along the best in the world when we take no satisfaction in it, provided we humble ourselves for this and redouble our confidence in God.” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4bc/vincent-de-paul-1676_believe_l-et-us-believe-that-all-is-going-along_1597568.jpg)
