Poetry · Chapter
Saint Peter explained
The poem reflects on Saint Peter's doubt when walking on water toward Christ, then turns to a personal meditation on faith, doubt, and the longing for God's presence amid life's small and great trials.
What happens
The poem reflects on Saint Peter's doubt when walking on water toward Christ, then turns to a personal meditation on faith, doubt, and the longing for God's presence amid life's small and great trials.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Struggle and Doubt
Peter's doubt and the speaker's own 'doubt that's worst of all' are central to the poem's exploration of faith.
Redemption and Grace
Despite doubt, the speaker trusts that Christ will not let him sink, and prays for deeper faith.
Characters to notice
- Saint Peter
Rebuked for his doubt, yet he becomes a mirror for the speaker's own struggles with faith.
- Jesus Christ
The one who called Peter onto the sea and whose presence is the anchor of faith.
- Unknown
The speaker who addresses Peter and then prays for steadfast faith.
Key passages
“Saint Peter, wherefore didst thou doubt? Indeed the spray flew fast about, But he was there whose walking foot Could make the wandering hills take root;”
Why did you doubt, Peter? The waves were rough, but Jesus was there—the same one whose step could steady the shifting mountains.
The speaker questions Peter's fear despite Christ's presence and power.
“Things far too little to affray Will wake the doubt that’s worst of all— Is there a God to hear me call?”
Even trivial fears can stir the deepest doubt: whether God exists and hears my cry.
The speaker identifies that doubt arises not only from great trials but from small anxieties.
“Lord of my little faith, my Lord, Help me to fear nor fire nor sword; Let not the cross itself appall Which bore thee, Life and Lord of all;”
Lord, though my faith is small, help me not to fear even death or suffering, and let the cross—which carried you—not frighten me.
A prayer for courage and a deeper trust in Christ's sacrifice.