# A Prayer: Thou Who Mad’st the Mighty Clock explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A prayerful poem addressing God as the creator of the cosmic clock, asking for divine help to move by a higher spiritual law, to orbit with intention and purpose, and to align one's will with the seasons of life.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Fatherhood

God is portrayed as the creator and sustainer of the universe, a fatherly figure who guides the speaker's will.

### Nature as Divine Revelation

The cosmic clock, pendulum, and orbiting planets are used as metaphors for divine order and law.

## Character check-ins

### God

Addressed as the creator of the cosmic clock and the one who sets all forces in motion.

### Unknown

The speaker of the prayer, seeking to align their will with divine order.

## Key lines

> Thou who mad’st the mighty clock Of the great world go; Mad’st its pendulum swing and rock, Ceaseless to and fro;

You who created the great clock of the world and set its pendulum swinging endlessly back and forth.

_Establishes God as the creator of the universe's orderly motion._

> Help me move by higher law In my spirit graven.

Help me to live according to a higher spiritual law that is inscribed in my soul.

_The speaker asks for divine assistance to follow a moral or spiritual path._

> Like a planet let me swing⁠— With intention strong; In my orbit rushing sing Jubilant along;

Let me move like a planet, with strong purpose, joyfully singing as I travel in my appointed path.

_Desire to live with purpose and joy, in harmony with divine order._

> Lord of every stayless force, Make my Willing true.

Lord of every unstoppable force, make my will sincere and aligned with yours.

_A plea for the alignment of personal will with divine will._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/a-prayer-thou-who-mad-st-the-mighty-clock
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters