Post by donq on Sept 6, 2022 10:38:47 GMT
A Father’s Prayer
Last night at bedtime
My little boy confessed to me some childish wrong
And I forgave him—kissed him—and sent him off to bed.
As he lay down I heard him pray:
“Dear God,” he whispered, “make me a MAN like my daddy, WISE and STRONG.”
And then in peace he fell asleep.
I knelt beside my sleeping son
Shedding tears of happiness.
As I gazed on his sleeping form, I, too, prayed.
“Dear God,” I whispered, “make me PURE
Like my child lying here.
Instill in me innocence and UNSELFISH LOVE like that of a child.
Make of me a better person
So that I may help make this world a better one
For my child—and for all—in this blessed land.”
-Bernard Meltzer’s (1982), “A Father’s Prayer.”
Last night at bedtime
My little boy confessed to me some childish wrong
And I forgave him—kissed him—and sent him off to bed.
As he lay down I heard him pray:
“Dear God,” he whispered, “make me a MAN like my daddy, WISE and STRONG.”
And then in peace he fell asleep.
I knelt beside my sleeping son
Shedding tears of happiness.
As I gazed on his sleeping form, I, too, prayed.
“Dear God,” I whispered, “make me PURE
Like my child lying here.
Instill in me innocence and UNSELFISH LOVE like that of a child.
Make of me a better person
So that I may help make this world a better one
For my child—and for all—in this blessed land.”
Amen.
