I used to pray for self alone,
For greater blessings, all my own.
I wondered why my eager word
So often seemed to go unheard—
Why the Father failed to heed
My fervent utterance of need.
And then I learned the rightful way
To earnestly, sincerely pray.
I saw that all mankind must share
Omnipotent and selfless care;
That gifts are not for one or two,
Nor blessings sent to chosen few.
I found that God bestows His good
In universal brotherhood.
Daily now I lift my voice
And in true gratitude rejoice,
Then seek to fill some neighbor's need
With tender word and thoughtful deed.
