A Father's Prayer Poem by Edgar Albert Guest

A Father's Prayer

Rating: 3.3


Lord, make me tolerant and wise;
Incline my ears to hear him through;
Let him not stand with downcast eyes,
Fearing to trust me and be true.
Instruct me so that I may know
The way my son and I should go.

When he shall err, as once did I,
Or boyhood folly bids him stray,
Let me not into anger fly
And drive the good in him away.
Teach me to win his trust, that he
Shall keep no secret hid from me.

Lord, strengthen me that I may be.
A fit example for my son.
Grant he may never hear or see
A shameful deed that I have done.
However sorely I am tried,
Let me not undermine his pride.

In spite of years and temples gray,
Still let my spirit beat with joy;
Teach me to share in all his play
And be a comrade with my boy.
Wherever we may chance to be,
Let him find happiness with me.

Lord, as his father, now I pray
For manhood's strength and counsel wise;
Let me deal justly, day by day,
In all that fatherhood implies.
To be his father, keep me fit;
Let me not play the hypocrite!

A Father's Prayer
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Ruta Mohapatra 14 December 2017

A really nice poem. Thank you for sharing.

2 1 Reply
Deepak Kumar Pattanayak 14 December 2017

He yearned as only a father can yearn for the warm caresses of his children, in truth he wished to avoid the pain of parting by employing anything unpleasant that might hurt his son.........such a great poem with such a great thought.......thanks for sharing

2 0 Reply
Bernard F. Asuncion 14 December 2017

Such an inspiring write by Edgar Albert Guest👍👍👍

1 1 Reply
Victoria Udnæs 14 December 2017

This is such a wonderful poem How I recognize the thoughts and feelings

1 0 Reply
Parishay Fatima 14 December 2017

Amm.. Nice one and please don't forget to read my first poem named ''First Love'' on this website! thanks

1 0 Reply
Mary Redden 02 November 2019

Beautiful poem. Just what every son deserves from his father

0 0 Reply
Adeeb Alfateh 22 July 2019

Lord, strengthen me that I may be. A fit example for my son. Grant he may never hear or see A shameful deed that I have done. However sorely I am tried, Let me not undermine his pride. beautiful writing 10+++++++++++++++++++++

0 0 Reply
Mary Skarpathiotaki 14 December 2017

This is such a wonderful poem an inspiring write really Thanks LORD

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Marieta Maglas 14 December 2017

In A Heap o’ Livin’, the poet wrote, “It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home.” In this poem, he analyzes the relationship between father and son, making an indirect parallel between this human relationship and the divine relationship between the Father and Jesus while asking help from the Holy Father. ''Instruct me so that I may know...''- 10.

1 0 Reply
Susan Williams 14 December 2017

Oh, such a truth here. Parents should pray this prayer everyday. We need to guide our children to find the best and most fulfilling way to live their lives. That cannot be done with harsh cruel words, or with anger, or with belittlement. Love every moment with your child- even the painful ones when they are choosing wrong- love them with wisdom and gentleness and kindness and boundaries.

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Edgar Albert Guest

Edgar Albert Guest

Birmingham / England
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