An Analysis

An analysis of the quotation ?The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small.?

The quotation ?The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly small,? could be compared to someone asking for something through prayer. This comparison is based on three beliefs. The first part of the quotation, ?The mills of the gods…? refers to God?s ?prayer factory? where prayer requests are considered and acted upon. The second section, ?The mills of the gods grind slowly…? is a reference to the way God takes His time in answering prayers. The third belief,

…they grind exceedingly small,? is interpreted as God?s way of finally answering the prayers in the best possible way.

While there are many different types of prayers, the most common type is a prayer of petition. These are prayers that ask God to do something or to give something that are truly desired or needed. God always hears every prayer that is lifted to the heavens. ?The mills of the gods…? can be interpreted as synonymous to God?s constant hearing and answering of the many prayers that come to Him. God weighs the practicality of each prayer, always keeping in mind His master plan for each person’s life. He carefully considers these prayers in light of how each alternative will affect the petitioner?s life and the lives of those around them. Then, in His divine wisdom He responds to these requests either directly or through other people. Very often, His answers are not all one would expect. In fact, His reply may be the exact opposite of what most would think to be best.

Many times people pray to God for something that is not immediately received. Due to this fact, they lose faith in the prayer process. They think God has ignored them or is resentful of something that has been done. ?The mills of the gods grind slowly…? could be interpreted as meaning that God takes His own precious time in answering prayers. The answer will be ?no? if it is not in the Master?s plan, yet God will give you something. It may not be exactly as requested, but His gift will always benefit in some way. Very often, people are quick to assume that their prayers are unanswered, only to find them answered much later on and in an entirely different manner than was anticipated.

God always answers prayers. They may be answered in ways that we could never imagine, but they will always be answered. The remainder of the quote, ?…they grind exceedingly small,? could be interpreted to mean when God answers prayers, even the smallest detail is taken into account. God would never answer a prayer with something worse than was requested. While one may think at the time that God does not care, or is giving them something bad, all answered prayers are a part of a greater plan.

God has a master plan for each person?s life. It is up to each individual to discover that plan. This is done through prayerful consideration of the circumstances and events of one?s life. ?The mills of the gods…? God?s consideration and actions upon prayers, may seem to ?…grind slowly…? because man?s concept of time is not the same as God?s. His attention to even the minute details of each person?s life is what causes ?The mills…? to ?…grind exceedingly small.? God does not make mistakes. The Heavenly Father takes as much time as is deemed necessary to ensure perfection.