Answer to Prayer
The work explores the theme of prayer and the conditions under which it is believed to be answered. It presents a narrative voice that reflects on the importance of faith and the correct approach to prayer. The speaker emphasizes that many fail to receive answers because they do not ask in the right way, suggesting that the effectiveness of prayer is tied to both faith and action. The speaker recounts a personal experience of longing for a turkey for Christmas, illustrating the struggle between desire and the perceived silence of the divine. Despite fervent prayers, the speaker initially receives no response, leading to doubt about the efficacy of prayer. This moment of doubt is pivotal, as it highlights the necessity of understanding how to communicate one's needs to God. Ultimately, the speaker learns to refine their request, demonstrating a shift in approach that aligns with the belief that prayer must be specific and earnest. The narrative culminates in the fulfillment of the prayer, reinforcing the idea that persistence and clarity in one's requests can lead to divine intervention. The work encapsulates a broader commentary on faith, the nature of divine response, and the relationship between human effort and spiritual belief.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1930 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, African American Literature · 321 words
First lines
Der ain't no use in sayin' de Lawd won't answer prah;
If you knows how to ax Him, I knows He's bound to heah.
What this Textopian page supports
Answer to Prayer is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1930 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James Weldon Johnson
- Date: 1930 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, African American Literature, Humor, Religious
- Length: 321 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Pure In Heart Shall See God by Frances Ellen Watkins Harper
- Of The Corruption Of Nature And The Efficacy Of Divine Grace by Thomas A. Kempis
- God Revealed In Weakness And Limitation by Jorge Mario Bergoglio
- The Truth In Jesus by George Macdonald
- Easter Morn by Mary Baker Eddy
- Before The Temple by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Spiritual — The themes revolve around prayer, faith, and divine intervention, central to spiritual literature.
- African American Literature — The dialect and cultural references reflect the African American experience and heritage.
- Humor — The narrative contains elements of humor, particularly in the portrayal of the speaker's earnest yet comical prayer for a turkey.
Tags
Christianity · Faith · Prayer · Spirituality · Religion · Philosophy · Mystery · Fate · Destiny · Free Will · Determination · Perseverance