In "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving, a significant theme is the relationship between faith and the occurrence of miracles. The quote suggests that genuine miracles do not instill faith in those who lack it; rather, true belief is a prerequisite for recognizing and accepting miraculous events. This implies that one's existing faith influences their perception of the extraordinary.

The idea presented is that miracles serve to strengthen or affirm pre-existing beliefs, rather than create them from nothing. Thus, faith serves as the lens through which individuals interpret and experience miraculous occurrences, highlighting the profound connection between belief and the acknowledgment of the miraculous in life.