My Prayer

For all the times I asked for wealth
For times I prayed for my good health
For times I asked for material things
All sorts of things that money brings

You gave me children, and answered the first
When I could have died, and suspected the worst
You spared my life and gave me health
What good is wealth without my health?
I uttered a quick "thank you" in my nighttime prayer
I took for granted you'd always be there.

I asked you for guidance when times were tough
You asked me if dying for me was enough
You were willing to die on the cross for me
but in your glory you returned, for all eternity.

You arose from your grave to save my soul
You gave me something more precious than gold
Little blue-eyed babies that blessed our days
with laughter and joy and beguiling ways.

I felt your tears when I chose to ignore you
when I put so many other things before you
Unconditional love for me you have shown
and you're willing to accept me as one of your own.

Forgive the times I chose earthly goods
instead of choosing my God, as I should
Now I'm asking you to teach
me to take the hands that reach
to show me the way, however long and hard
For this second chance, I thank you, God.

Spare this great country from terror-stricken nights
Please allow my children and grandchildren the right
to grow up under your protective shield
Keep them from ever having to feel
the gripping fear that consumes the souls of some
in countries where human monsters have come.

Let no one ever betray their trust
Let them do without luxuries, but teach them they must
earn your love amid all kinds of temptation.
So they know there is only one God, their salvation.

Let them be allowed to pray in their schools
now so deluged with "politically correct" rules
Give them the innocence that is theirs alone
Because all too soon, their childhood is gone

Let your wisdom be their guide
Give them beauty, but beauty inside
Bless them with compassion you so freely have given
And give them the gift of the Kingdom of Heaven.