# Prayer at Sunrise explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Weldon Johnson.

## What happens

A poetic prayer that addresses the sun as a symbol of divine power and asks the Creator for strength, light, and joy to face the day and uplift others.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Spirituality

The chapter is a direct prayer to a divine creator, invoking faith and spiritual strength.

### Resilience and Hope

The prayer asks for strength to run the day's race and joy to share, reflecting resilience and hope.

## Character check-ins

### Lawd

Addressed as the 'greater Maker' and 'Great Father of the sun' in the prayer.

## Key lines

> O mighty, powerful, dark-dispelling sun, Now thou art risen, and thy day begun.

The sun has risen, bringing light and beginning a new day.

_Opening lines celebrating the sunrise._

> Give me the strength this one day’s race to run, Fill me with light, fill me with sun-like strength, Fill me with joy to rob the day its length.

Grant me the strength to face the day, fill me with light and joy so that the day feels full and meaningful.

_Central petition of the prayer._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters/prayer-at-sunrise
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters