Teacher's Prayer

I want to teach my students how

To live this life on earth~

To face its struggles and its strife

And how to improve their worth~

Not just the lesson in a book

On how the river flows~

But how to choose the proper path

Wherever they may go~

To understand eternal truth

And know the 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 in grace~

Then I shall 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.

James J. Metcalf