In Alford, Lord Tennyson's Epic Poem Idylls Of ...

In Alford, Lord Tennyson’s Epic Poem IDYLLS OF THE KING, “Idyll 12: The Passing of Arthur,” King Arthur is dying. He speaks these inspiring words to his friend Sir Bedivere:

I have lived my life, and that which I have done

May He within Himself make pure! But thou,

If thou shouldst never see my face again,

Pray for my soul. More things are wrought by prayer

Than this world dreams of. Wherefore, let they voice

Rise like a fountain for me night and day.

For what are men better than sheep or goats

That nourish a blind life within the brain,

If knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer

Both for themselves and those who call them friend?

[SOURCE: Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Idylls of the King, Idyll 12: The

Passing of Arthur,” Canto 24, lines 6-15]

Indeed, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”

May all of us who “know God lift our hands of prayer both for ourselves and those who call us friend.” As we faithfully do, God will continually help us “Become a Praying Church.”