A Prayer in Sickness by George MacDonald
The poem explores the theme of suffering and the longing for divine presence during illness. The speaker expresses a deep sense of isolation and despair, feeling enveloped by sickness that obscures their connection to the divine. The imagery of a "blinding shroud" symbolizes the physical and emotional barriers that illness creates, hindering the speaker's ability to experience grace and reconciliation. The plea for the removal of this "sickness-cloud" reflects a yearning for healing and clarity, emphasizing the desire to see the face of the divine as a source of comfort and strength. The speaker's struggle illustrates the tension between physical suffering and spiritual longing, highlighting the need for divine intervention to restore wholeness. Ultimately, the work conveys a profound search for meaning and connection amidst the trials of illness, underscoring the importance of faith and the hope for redemption. The emotional depth and vivid imagery serve to engage the reader in the universal experience of grappling with pain and the quest for divine solace.
By George MacDonald · First published 1863 · Genre: Religious, Poetry, Inspirational · 117 words
First lines
Thou foldest me in sickness; / Thou callest through the cloud; / I batter with the thickness / Of the swathing, blinding shroud: / Oh, let me see thy face, / The only perfect grace / That thou canst show thy child.
0 father, being-giver, / Take off the sickness-cloud; / Saviour, my life deliver / From this dull body-shroud: / Till I can see thy face / I am not full of grace, / I am not reconciled.
What this Textopian page supports
A Prayer in Sickness is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1863 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1863 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious, Poetry, Inspirational, Spiritual
- Length: 117 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
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Genres
- Religious — The text is a prayer addressing God, seeking divine intervention and grace.
- Poetry — The structure and language are poetic, with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
- Inspirational — The themes revolve around seeking hope and comfort in times of illness.
- Spiritual — The content explores spiritual themes of faith and reconciliation with God.
Tags
prayer · sickness · faith · spirituality · healing · suffering · hope · soul · divine · comfort · soul-searching · reflection