codex002489-047r

The Prayer of Self.

One knelt within a world of care
And sin - and lifted up his prayer;
"I ask thee Lord, for health and power
To meet the duties of each hour;
For peace from care, and daily food
For life prolonged, and filled with good;
I praise thee, for Thy gifts received
For sins forgiven, for pains relieved
For near and dear ones, spared & blest
For prospered toil, and promised rest;
This prayer I make, in His great name
Who for my souls salvation came."

But as he prayed, Lo! at his side
Stood the thorn crowned Christ, and sighed;
O blind diciple, - came I then
To bless the selfishness of men?
Thou askest health, amid the cry
Of human strain, and agony,
Thou askest peace, while all around
Trouble bows thousands to the ground.