Listen Lord by James Weldon Johnson
The work is a powerful and evocative prayer that captures the essence of spiritual yearning and the human condition. It opens with a humble plea to the divine, expressing a deep sense of reverence and vulnerability. The speaker approaches God with a posture of submission, emphasizing the need for grace and mercy. The imagery of empty pitchers seeking a full fountain symbolizes the longing for spiritual fulfillment and the recognition of human inadequacy. The prayer calls for divine intervention, particularly for those who are lost and in danger, highlighting the urgency of salvation for sinners. The speaker implores God to take action, using vivid metaphors such as riding a milk-white horse to signify strength and authority. The prayer also focuses on the figure of a preacher, asking for divine protection and empowerment. The speaker desires that the preacher be filled with wisdom and truth, capable of delivering a powerful message that can penetrate the hearts of the sinful. The use of metaphors like "sledge hammers of truth" and "telescope of eternity" illustrates the desire for profound insight and impactful communication. As the prayer progresses, it reflects on mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker expresses a wish for peace in the face of life's struggles and a hopeful anticipation of the afterlife. The closing lines convey a sense of resignation and faith, emphasizing the hope for resurrection and eternal life. Overall, the work is a rich tapestry of spiritual longing, human frailty, and the quest for divine connection, encapsulating the struggles and hopes of the faithful.
By James Weldon Johnson · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Religious · 465 words
First lines
A Prayer O Lord, we come this morning Knee-bowed and body-bent Before thy throne of grace.
O Lord -- this morning --
What this Textopian page supports
Listen Lord is listed on Textopian as a poem by James Weldon Johnson, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Religious, African American Literature, Inspirational
- Length: 465 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a prayer written in verse form, showcasing lyrical qualities and emotional depth typical of poetry.
- Spiritual — The content focuses on themes of prayer, divine intervention, and spiritual reflection, central to spiritual literature.
- Religious — The text is a direct appeal to God, incorporating religious themes and language, making it relevant to religious literature.
- African American Literature — The style and themes reflect the cultural and historical context of African American experiences, particularly in relation to faith and struggle.
Tags
Poetry · African American Literature · Spirituality · Faith · Hope · Despair · Sorrow · Joy · Love · Nature · Symbolism · Imagery