Poem November 24, 1934 Issue

A Prayer for Needy Ones

HAZEL HARPER HARRIS BRANDNER

I come, dear Lord, with this first fall of snow
To lift my heart in tender prayer for them
Who have great need, and yet who do not know
The way to touch the Master's garment hem.
My plea is not that Thou wilt kindly bless
These cold and hungry ones with food and fire,
But that they learn to pray with earnestness
Exalting every hope and fond desire.

So often, Lord, it is not merely things
The children need, though they may know it not;
It may be love or courage, trust or wings
Of faith with which to rise from their sad lot.
Teach them to pray and see themselves not poor,
But rich in every quality of Thine,
Which men may all express and have the sure
Reward of those who image the divine.

This prayer of understanding, then, will turn
Their thoughts away from pressing arguments
Of poverty, distress, and fear, to learn
That they are heirs of Thy great providence.
Encouragement will leap up overjoyed

When they have realized that Thou wilt bless
Thy children who are every one employed
To image Thee in love and righteousness.

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