Poetry · Chapter
A Song Prayer explained
A prayerful poem pleading for relief from the oppressive self and loneliness, invoking Jesus as the new man and God as the High Father to gather all His children home to the safety and healing of His breast.
What happens
A prayerful poem pleading for relief from the oppressive self and loneliness, invoking Jesus as the new man and God as the High Father to gather all His children home to the safety and healing of His breast.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Struggle and Doubt
The speaker laments being 'alone,' 'orphans,' and 'far from home,' expressing a deep spiritual longing and sense of separation.
Redemption and Grace
The prayer asks for gathering 'through fires and through waters' into the 'nest of thy breast,' symbolizing redemption and healing grace.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Addressed as 'Lord Jesus' and 'new man, sole human, God's son, and our brother' in the prayer.
- High Father
Invoked as 'High Father' to gather sons and daughters home.
Key passages
“Lord Jesus, Oh, ease us Of Self that oppresses, Annoys and distresses Body and brain With dull pain!”
Lord Jesus, relieve us from the self that burdens and torments both body and mind with persistent pain.
Opening plea for liberation from the oppressive self.
“Orphans we roam, Far from home.”
We wander like orphans, distant from our true home.
Expresses the feeling of spiritual homelessness and separation.
“High Father, Oh gather Thy sons and thy daughters, Through fires and through waters, Home to the nest Of thy breast!”
High Father, gather your children through all trials and bring them safely to the comfort of your embrace.
Climactic request for divine gathering and protection.