MY PRAYER
by Jack Watts
Father,
You are the Master Architect,
Engineering the events of my life,
Providing an opportunity for me
To rise to the occasion each day of my life.
At times, Your leading seems clear,
While at other times, it seems obscure,
Appearing to be so distant
That I cannot discover or discern it,
Regardless of how assiduously I try.
Even when Your presence eludes me,
I know that You are there.
You are always guiding me—
Always present, always vigilant.
As my life becomes increasingly visible
And people occasionally look to me for guidance,
Let my life speak of what You have done—
Not by my words, which seem so inadequate,
But by my actions, which are observable by all.
Oh, how I loathe the pompously religious—
Those who are condescending, arrogant, and unyielding.
May I never be like them—like those who talk about
Your love and guidance, while seeking an advantage.
Let my witness be evident by my actions,
And not by my mellifluous words,
Which can be self-serving and serpentine,
Amen.