Batter my heart, three-personed God; for you As yet but knock, breathe, shine, and seek to mend.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker asks for divine force to break and reshape his heart rather than gentle correction.
- In plain terms
- He wants God to forcefully change him instead of just trying to fix him gently.
- What can you take from it?
- True transformation often requires forceful intervention.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What changes do you need force to make?
- Is gentleness enough for your growth?
Another view
It frames personal growth as violent rather than collaborative.
More from John Donne
What if this present were the world's last night?
Permalink to quote #68 Show me, dear Christ, Thy spouse, so bright and clear.
Permalink to quote #70 One short sleep past, we wake eternally, And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
Permalink to quote #67
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