My Prayer by Henry David Thoreau
The work is a collection of essays that explore the nature of spirituality and personal growth through introspection and self-reliance. It emphasizes the importance of living simply and in harmony with nature. The text critiques societal norms and expectations, advocating for individual freedom and autonomy.
By Henry David Thoreau · First published 1841 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual · 147 words
First lines
Great God, I ask thee for no meaner pelf / Than that I may not disappoint myself;
That in my action I may soar as high / As I can now discern with this clear eye.
And next in value, which thy kindness lends, / That I may greatly disappoint my friends, / Howe'er they think or hope that it may be, / They may not dream how thou'st distinguished me.
That my weak hand may equal my firm faith, / And my life practise more than my tongue saith;
What this Textopian page supports
My Prayer is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry David Thoreau, dated 1841 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry David Thoreau
- Date: 1841 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Spiritual
- Length: 147 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for My Prayer by Henry David Thoreau
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Philosophical — The themes explore self-awareness, personal integrity, and existential reflection, common in philosophical literature.
- Spiritual — The text addresses a higher power and reflects on spiritual aspirations and moral conduct.
Tags
Philosophy · Spirituality · Nature · Meditation · Self-Discovery · Existentialism · Personal Growth · Reflection · Introspection · Mindfulness · Faith · Hope