The Prayer of a Common Man

Grant me freedom
not wisdom

Grant me peace
and its every ease

Grant me the state
of unfailing faith

Grant me patience
not intelligence

Grant me kindness
not cleverness.

Grant me generosity
such that I can reach out to the needy.

Grant me grace
not a pretty face.

Grant me fellowship
not scholarship

Grace me the voice
that spreads joys.

Grant me humility
that ignores the 'me'

Grant me love
such that I may serve.

Grant me the faculty
to appreciate every beauty.

Grant me a child's innocence
such that I'll recapture life's essence.

Grant me the ears that will readily
listen to those who live in misery

Grant me the heart
that will not set humanity apart

Grant me the courage
to bear my sorrow and heartache

Grant me the happy acceptance
when the light of my life sheds its final radiance