Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DOUBTER'S PRAYER, by ANNE BRONTE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DOUBTER'S PRAYER, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Eternal power, of earth and air!
Last Line: A spring of comfort in my heart.
Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Acton
Subject(s): Faith; Prayer; Belief; Creed


Eternal Power, of earth and air!
Unseen, yet seen in all around;
Remote, but dwelling everywhere;
Though silent, heard in every sound;
If e'er Thine ear in mercy bent,
When wretched mortals cried to Thee,
And if, indeed, Thy Son was sent,
To save lost sinners such as me:
Then hear me now, while kneeling here,
I lift to Thee my heart and eye,
And all my soul ascends in prayer,
Oh, give me--give me faith! I cry.
Without some glimmering in my heart,
I could not raise this fervent prayer;
But, oh! a stronger light impart,
And in Thy mercy fix it there.
While Faith is with me, I am blest;
It turns my darkest night to day;
But while I clasp it to my breast,
I often feel it slide away.
Then, cold and dark, my spirit sinks,
To see my light of life depart;
And every fiend of Hell, methinks,
Enjoys the anguish of my heart.
What shall I do, if all my love,
My hopes, my toil, are cast away,
And if there be no God above,
To hear and bless me when I pray?
If this be vain delusion all,
If death be an eternal sleep,
And none can hear my secret call,
Or see the silent tears I weep!
Oh, help me, God! For Thou alone
Canst my distracted soul relieve;
Forsake it not, it is Thine own,
Though weak, yet longing to believe.
Oh, drive these cruel doubts away;
And make me know that Thou art God!
A faith, that shines by night and day,
Will lighten every earthly load.
If I believe that Jesus died,
And waking, rose to reign above;
Then surely Sorrow, Sin, and Pride
Must yield to Peace, and Hope, and Love;
And all the blessèd words He said
Will strength and holy joy impart:
A shield of safety o'er my head,
A spring of comfort in my heart.





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