A Child's Evening Prayer by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

A Child's Evening Prayer

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

(Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

A Child's Evening Prayer

 

Ere on my bed my limbs I lay,

God grant me grace my prayers to say:

O God! preserve my mother dear

In strength and health for many a year;

And, O! preserve my father too,

And may I pay him reverence due;

And may I my best thoughts employ

To be my parents' hope and joy;

And, O! preserve my brothers both

From evil doings and from sloth,

And may we always love each other,

Our friends, our father, and our mother,

And still, O Lord, to me impart

An innocent and grateful heart,

That after my last steep I may

Awake to thy eternal day! Amen

 

Summary

 

"A Child's Evening Prayer" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a tender and heartfelt poem that captures the innocence and sincerity of a child’s nightly prayer. The poem reflects a child’s gratitude, humility, and faith, encapsulating themes of protection, forgiveness, and hope.

The poem portrays a child addressing God before sleep, expressing gratitude for the blessings of the day and asking for divine protection through the night. The child seeks forgiveness for any wrongs committed, both known and unknown, and prays for a pure heart. They extend their prayers to others, including family, friends, and those in need, highlighting a sense of compassion and interconnectedness.

The child’s faith is unwavering, and the prayer ends with a wish to awaken in the morning with renewed strength and joy, prepared to live a righteous and loving life. The poem emphasizes themes of innocence, faith, and the universal need for divine guidance and grace.

Coleridge beautifully captures the purity of a child’s heart, making the poem a touching reflection on spirituality and the simplicity of a child’s connection to the divine.

 

Analysis

1. Themes

Innocence and Faith: The poem embodies the purity and untainted faith of a child. It reflects how prayer serves as a bridge between the human and divine, emphasizing the child’s trust in God's protection and care.

Gratitude and Reflection: The child expresses gratitude for the blessings of the day, showing an awareness of life’s simple joys. This reflects a thoughtful and reflective attitude, even in youth.

Forgiveness and Redemption: By asking for forgiveness for wrongs committed, the poem underscores the moral and spiritual self-awareness that can be nurtured even in childhood.

Compassion: The inclusion of prayers for others demonstrates an empathetic and inclusive worldview.

 

2. Literary Devices

Imagery: Coleridge employs gentle, peaceful imagery to evoke a sense of serenity and trust. Phrases that describe the night, sleep, and the divine create a calm and reflective tone.

Tone: The tone is tender and reverent, mirroring the simplicity and sincerity of a child’s perspective.

Symbolism: The act of praying symbolizes innocence, moral consciousness, and a desire for connection with the divine.

Alliteration and Rhythm: The poem’s rhythmic structure and occasional use of alliteration contribute to its soothing, lullaby-like quality, making it resonate as an evening prayer.

 

3. Emotional Resonance

The poem captures a universal experience of seeking solace, safety, and guidance before rest. This creates a nostalgic and comforting resonance for readers, reminding them of childhood simplicity and spiritual grounding.

 

4. Religious Undertones

The poem is steeped in Christian values, emphasizing prayer as a means to seek forgiveness and divine protection. It reflects Coleridge’s personal faith and the broader religious practices of his time.

 

5. Coleridge’s Philosophy

Through this work, Coleridge subtly highlights the importance of instilling moral and spiritual values in the young. The child’s prayer serves as a model for how faith can bring peace and comfort, regardless of age.

 

Conclusion

"A Child’s Evening Prayer" is more than just a simple prayer; it is a poetic meditation on faith, humility, and the enduring bond between humans and the divine. Coleridge captures the essence of spiritual purity and reminds readers of the beauty of unadulterated belief and gratitude