Thy will be Done
The poem explores the theme of resignation and acceptance in the face of fate. It describes a person who has come to terms with their circumstances and has surrendered to the will of God. The speaker expresses a sense of calm and tranquility, acknowledging that their desires may not be fulfilled but accepting that they are subject to a higher power.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1837 · Genre: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry · 260 words
First lines
WE see not, know not; all our way Is night, -- with Thee alone is day From out the torrent's troubled drift, Above the storm our prayers we lift, Thy will be done!
The flesh may fail, the heart may faint, But who are we to make complaint, Or dare to plead, in times like these, The weakness of our love of ease? Thy will be done!
We take with solemn thankfulness Our burden up, nor ask it less, And count it joy that even we May suffer, serve, or wait for Thee, Whose will be done!
Though dim as yet in tint and line, We trace Thy picture's wise design, And thank Thee that our age supplies Its dark relief of sacrifice. Thy will be done!
What this Textopian page supports
Thy will be Done is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1837 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1837 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Philosophical Poetry, Inspirational Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 260 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Thy will be Done by John Greenleaf Whittier
- 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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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Thy will be Done?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
- The Eternal Goodness by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Preacher by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Angel Of Patience by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Pis Aller by Matthew Arnold
- Thoughts On The Works Of Providence by Phillis Wheatley
- The Healer by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Religious Poetry — The work expresses deep spiritual themes and reliance on divine will, characteristic of religious poetry.
- Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional nature of the verses aligns with the conventions of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical Poetry — The exploration of suffering, sacrifice, and the nature of existence reflects philosophical inquiries.
- Inspirational Poetry — The poem aims to uplift and inspire through its themes of acceptance and faith.
Tags
Poetry · Religion · Faith · Spirituality · Mortality · Existentialism · Philosophy · Theology · Christianity · Devotion · Duty · Obedience