Prayer in Verse[1]
Words and Deeds
Holy thoughts and tender words
Are at best mere leaves and flowers,
But the fruits are generous deeds —
Where, oh I coward soul, are ours?
Soon, too soon, will come the end:
God forgive what's past and gone !
Mary Mother I Angels! Saints!
Pray for me and help me on.
Prayers and good words within your memory store,
And at stray moments say them o'er and o'er.
'Twill help to hallow all your work and play.
And holy thoughts will keep bad thoughts away.
On through your round of duties plod,
Poor child of God!
Raising betimes your thoughts above
In faith and love;
And in your hearts a holy song
All day long.
1
Another day begins for me,
What day shall be my last?
Grant, Lord, that each new day may see
My heart more pure, more dear to Thee.
And oh! forgive the past.
2
Good day, my Guardian Angel!
The night is past and gone.
And thou hast watched beside me
At midnight as at dawn.
- ↑ By Fr. Matthew Russell, S J., in "All Day Long (London Catholic Truth Society Publication).
