# Prayer explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The chapter reflects on the paradox of prayer: despite doubt and reluctance, even scant prayers yield divine reward, and trust and daring bring boundless joy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Spiritual Struggle and Doubt

The poem opens with doubt about the promise of prayer, reflecting a struggle between faith and uncertainty.

### Redemption and Grace

Despite scanty prayers, gold without alloy is received, suggesting unearned grace and redemption.

## Character check-ins

### God

Addressed directly as the one who grants prayer and joy.

### Unknown

The speaker who doubts and yet prays.

## Key lines

> We doubt the word that tells us: Ask, And ye shall have your prayer;

We question the biblical promise that asking will result in receiving what we pray for.

_Expresses initial skepticism toward the efficacy of prayer._

> We turn our thoughts as to a task, With will constrained and rare.

We approach prayer like a chore, with reluctant and infrequent effort.

_Describes the mechanical and forced nature of human prayer._

> And yet we have; these scanty prayers Yield gold without alloy:

Nevertheless, even our meager prayers produce pure and valuable results.

_Highlights the surprising effectiveness of even imperfect prayer._

> O God, but he that trusts and dares Must have a boundless joy!

O God, surely the person who trusts and takes risks will experience infinite joy.

_Concludes with the reward of faith and boldness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/prayer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters