A speaker kneels to pray, but not calmly or confidently. Tormented by doubt, they plead with God for the faith they desperately want. They sense God everywhere—in earth, air, every sound—yet feel unsteady. Faith blazes briefly, turning night to day, then slips away, leaving them terrified that life is meaningless and death an eternal sleep. The speaker doesn’t hide this anguish, begging God to banish cruel doubts and let them truly know He’s real. They crave a faith that shines steadily, trusting that Jesus’ death and resurrection will replace sorrow and sin with peace, hope, and love. The mood is raw and urgent—someone clinging to belief while confessing they’re afraid it might all be an illusion.
The Doubter's Prayer — Summary
Eternal Power, of earth and air! Unseen, yet seen in all around, Remote, but dwelling everywhere, Though silent, heard in every sound. If e'er thine ear in mercy bent, When wretched mortals cried to Thee, And if, indeed, Thy Son was sent, To save lost sinners such as me:
Then hear me now, while, kneeling here, I lift to thee my heart and eye, And all my soul ascends in prayer, Oh, give me - give me Faith! I cry.
Without some glimmering in my heart, I could not raise this fervent prayer; But, oh! a stronger light impart, And in Thy mercy fix it there.
While Faith is with me, I am blest; It turns my darkest night to day; But while I clasp it to my breast, I often feel it slide away.
Then, cold and dark, my spirit sinks, To see my light of life depart; And every fiend of Hell, methinks, Enjoys the anguish of my heart.
What shall I do, if all my love, My hopes, my toil, are cast away, And if there be no God above, To hear and bless me when I pray?
If this be vain delusion all, If death be an eternal sleep, And none can hear my secret call, Or see the silent tears I weep!
Oh, help me, God! For thou alone Canst my distracted soul relieve; Forsake it not: it is thine own, Though weak, yet longing to believe.
Oh, drive these cruel doubts away; And make me know, that Thou art God! A faith, that shines by night and day, Will lighten every earthly load.
If I believe that Jesus died, And, waking, rose to reign above; Then surely Sorrow, Sin, and Pride, Must yield to Peace, and Hope, and Love.
And all the blessed words He said Will strength and holy joy impart: A shield of safety o'er my head, A spring of comfort in my heart.