The Christians New Year Prayer

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Lyric Poem
    Thou Christ of mine, thy gracious ear low bending         Through these glad New Year days,     To catch the countless prayers to Heaven ascending -         For e'en hard hearts do raise     Some secret wish for fame, or gold, or power,         Or freedom from all care -     Dear, patient Christ, who listeneth hour on hour,         Hear now a Christian's prayer.     Let this young year that, silent, walks beside me,         Be as a means of grace     To lead me up, no matter what betide me,         Nearer the Master's face.     If it need be that ere I reach the fountain         Where Living waters play,     My feet should bleed from sharp stones on the mountain,         Then cast them in my way.     If my vain soul needs blows and bitter losses         To shape it for thy crown,     Then bruise it, burn it, burden it with crosses,         With sorrows bear it down.     Do what thou wilt to mold me to thy pleasure,         And if I should complain,     Heap full of anguish yet another measure         Until I smile at pain.     Send dangers - deaths! but tell me how to dare them;         Enfold me in thy care.     Send trials, tears! but give me strength to bear them -         This is a Christian's prayer.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This evocative poem explores themes of faith, submission, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. The speaker, presumably a devout Christian, uses the beginning of a new year as a medium to express his prayers and desires to Christ. The tone is solemn and introspective, reflecting a deep sense of humility and surrender to divine will.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each presenting a unique aspect of the speaker's prayer. The poet uses various literary devices such as metaphors – the new year as a 'means of grace', the 'sharp stones on the mountain' signifying hardships, and the 'crown' symbolizing spiritual triumph. The use of such metaphors adds depth to the poem, enabling the reader to comprehend the spiritual journey the speaker is willing to undertake.

The speaker's acceptance of suffering—'bruise it, burn it, burden it with crosses'—to attain spiritual growth is a powerful testament to their faith. This is further emphasized in the concluding lines where the speaker asks for trials, but also for the strength to endure them. The poem ends on a note of resilience and persistent faith, encapsulating the quintessential Christian prayer for grace amidst adversity.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.