Heidi · Question
How does Heidi develop the theme of Faith and Prayer?
Answer
Heidi by Johanna Spyri develops Faith and Prayer across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Heidi learns from Grandmama Sesemann to trust in God's plan, even when prayers seem unanswered, and this faith ultimately brings healing to herself, her grandfather, and the blind grandmother.
Grandmama teaches Heidi to pray as a way to share her deepest sorrows with God, leading to emotional relief and a breakthrough in learning.
Grandmama teaches Heidi that God hears all prayers and gives what is best, even when it is not immediately apparent. Heidi repents for losing faith and prays for forgiveness.
Heidi reads a hymn that brings spiritual comfort to the grandmother, and later reflects on prayer and God's timing, showing deepened faith.
Evidence in the book
- X: A Grandmama
Grandmama teaches Heidi to pray as a way to share her deepest sorrows with God, leading to emotional relief and a breakthrough in learning.
- XI: Heidi Gains in Some Respects and Loses in Others
Grandmama teaches Heidi that God hears all prayers and gives what is best, even when it is not immediately apparent. Heidi repents for losing faith and prays for forgiveness.
- XIV: On Sunday When the Church Bells Ring
Heidi reads a hymn that brings spiritual comfort to the grandmother, and later reflects on prayer and God's timing, showing deepened faith.
- Retaliation
Heidi's faith and recitation of hymns comfort the doctor, reminding him of his childhood and offering solace for his sorrow.
- Winter in the Village
Heidi reads hymns to the grandmother, bringing her comfort and joy; Heidi prays fervently before sleeping after devising a plan to help.
- News from Distant Friends
Heidi reads hymns to Grandmother to calm her fears, and the girls say their evening prayer under the stars, trusting in God's care.
- Parting to Meet Again
The grandmother asks Heidi to read a song of thanksgiving, and Mrs. Sesemann speaks of God's mercy, reinforcing the theme of gratitude and faith.
