Skip to content

Afraid Quote by Wendell Berry

“I prayed like a man walking in a forest at night, feeling his way with his hands, at each step fearing to fall into pure bottomlessness forever. Prayer is like lying awake at night, afraid, with your head under the cover, hearing only the beating of your own heart.” quote by Wendell Berry
Download Open image
“I prayed like a man walking in a forest at night, feeling his way with his hands, at each step fearing to fall into pure bottomlessness forever. Prayer is like lying awake at night, afraid, with your head under the cover, hearing only the beating of your own heart.”

Wendell Berry

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Art of the Commonplace, Wendell Berry, 1993

The quote likens prayer to navigating darkness, emphasizing vulnerability, fear, and the intimate awareness of one's own heart in uncertainty.

In simple terms: Prayer feels like walking in dark, fearful, but honest.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty with honest presence.

Themes

faith vulnerability existential introspection courage

Mood

contemplative somber

Type

philosophical poetic

When to use this quote

  • nighttime anxiety
  • spiritual practice
  • personal crisis
  • deep reflection

Key Concepts

spirituality human fragility mindfulness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you confront fear in moments of silence?
  • What does the heart reveal when distractions fade?
A Different Perspective

It may overlook the comfort some find in structured rituals.

4.7 out of 5 (6 ratings)

More by Wendell Berry

Explore all 847 Wendell Berry quotes

More Afraid quotes

Browse all 5,519 Afraid quotes