Thomas Merton Quotes

The farther we go from God, the less we know of peace.

A Christian should put away all defense and make no attempt to excuse himself either in his own eyes or before the Lord. Whoever defends himself will have himself for his defense, and he will have no other. But let him come defenseless before the Lord and he will have for his defender no less than God Himself.

God cannot be realizxd if there is the slightest trace of pride.

The more I learn about God, the more aware I become of what I don’t know about him.

As long as you are proud, you cannot know God.

Our problem is that we assume prayer is something to master the way we master algebra or auto mechanics. But when praying, we come "underneath," where we calmly and deliberately surrender control and become incompetent.

Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.

I find letters from God dropt in the street, and every one is sign'd by God's name.

I'm not Buddhist, I'm not Hindu, I'm not Christian, but I still feel like I have a deep connection with God. I pray all the time — for self-control, for humility. There's a lot of gratitude in it. Just saying 'thank you' sometimes is better than asking for things.

God always fills in all hearts all the room which is left Him there.

God alone has the secret of eternal life and joy.

An infinite God can give all of Himself to each of His children.

I believe God is everything, say Shug. Everything that is or ever was or ever will be. And when you can feel that, and be happy to feel that, you've found It.

Should you ask me what is the first thing in religion, I should reply that the first, second, and third thing therein is humility.

We must never get into the habit of being preoccupied with the future. There is no reason to do so. God is there.

Prayer is our humble answer to the inconceivable surprise of living.

For the Divine to function through you, it is important to make every breath, every pulsation in the body, and your very existence an offering.

To be used of God. Is there anything more encouraging, more fulfilling? Perhaps not, but there is something more basic: to meet with God.

I wanted to say, "Hey, Pope Francis," but I cried like a baby. I was reduced to a very humble set of feelings, because it was not about what was said: There's a presence. That was a blessing for myself and my family and everyone there to be a part of that.

So if God should place me in serious perplexity, must He not give me much guidance; in places of great difficulty, much grace; in circumstances of great pressure and trial, much strength? No fear that HIs resources will prove unequal to the emergency! And His resources are mine, for He is mine, and is with me and dwells in me.

I still have a spiritual base and a spiritual foundation. And my conversation with God is very open-ended. I pray for humility, honestly, because it's very easy to be caught up in this world.

We may live victoriously, not because we have any power within ourselves, but because when we give ourselves to God, He gives himself to us.

He who is filled with love is filled with God himself.

I cannot imagine how religious persons can live satisfied without the practice of the presence of GOD. For my part I keep myself retired with Him in the depth of centre of my soul as much as I can; and while I am so with Him I fear nothing; but the least turning from Him is insupportable.

When we honestly ask God the 'why' question, He doesn't give us answers as much as He gives us Himself.