Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
John DrydenRead
Our vows are heard betimes! and Heaven takes care To grant, before we can conclude the prayer: Preventing angels met it half the way, And sent us back to praise, who came to pray.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our intentions and prayers are recognized and fulfilled by divine intervention even before we can articulate them fully.
John Dryden's quote reflects the notion that the universe or a higher power is attuned to our deepest desires and prayers, often fulfilling them before we are even aware of our needs. It implies a connection between human intention and divine response, emphasizing the idea that there are unseen forces at work that recognize and fulfill our wishes, allowing us to shift our focus from mere asking to gratitude for what we receive.
Themes
PrayerDivineGratitudeIntentionAngels
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about faith, I can use this quote to illustrate the idea that our prayers are heard.
More from John Dryden
All quotes →Of no distemper, of no blast he died, _x000D_ But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long: _x000D_ Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. _x000D_ Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years; _x000D_ Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; _x000D_ Till like a clock worn out with eating time, _x000D_ The wheels of weary life at last stood still.
John DrydenRead
Or hast thou known the world so long in vain?
John DrydenRead
Shame on the body for breaking down while the spirit perseveres.
John DrydenRead
Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; and every little absence is an age.
John DrydenRead
And write whatever Time shall bring to pass_x000D_ _x000D_ With pens of adamant on plates of brass.
John DrydenRead
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