Prayer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1886)
The poem explores the idea that prayer can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and healing. It suggests that when one prays with sincerity and faith, they can overcome even the darkest of struggles and emerge stronger on the other side. The speaker describes their own experience of praying in desperation and feeling a sense of peace and renewal afterwards.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1886 · Genre: Poetry, Spirituality, Inspirational · 368 words
First lines
I do not undertake to say / That literal answers come from Heaven, / But I know this-that when I pray / A comfort, a support is given / That helps me rise o'er earthly things / As larks soar up on airy wings.
In vain the wise philosopher / Points out to me my fabric's flaws, / In vain the scientists aver / That "all things are controlled by laws. " / My life has taught me day by day / That it availeth much to pray.
What this Textopian page supports
Prayer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1886 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1886 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spirituality, Inspirational, Philosophical, Self-Help
- Length: 368 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Prayer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Similar titles
- Show Me The Way by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Bridge Of Prayer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Word by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- A Prayer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Ladder by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Morning Prayer by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse form with a rhythmic and lyrical quality.
- Spirituality — The themes revolve around prayer, faith, and the spiritual benefits of prayer.
- Inspirational — The content aims to inspire and uplift the reader through the power of prayer.
- Philosophical — The text engages with philosophical questions about faith, doubt, and the nature of comfort.
Tags
Spirituality · Religion · Faith · Inspiration · Motivation · Philosophy · Poetry · Christianity · Mindfulness · Self-reflection · Personal growth · Well-being