A Teacher’s Prayer by James Metcalf

A Teacher’s Prayer

James J. Metcalf

I want to teach my students how--

To live this life on earth,

To face its struggles and its strife

And to improve their worth.

Not just the lesson in a book,

Or how the rivers flow,

But to choose the proper path,

Wherever they may go.

To understand eternal truth,

And know right from wrong,

And gather all the beauty of

A flower and a song,

For if I help the world to grow

In wisdom and grace,

Then I feel that I have won

And I have filled my place.

And so I ask your guidance, God

That I may do my part,

For character and confidence

And happiness of heart.