A Prayer For The New Year

Grant me the strength from day to day
To bear what burdens come my way.
Grant me throughout this bright New Year
More to endure and less to fear.
Help me live that I may be
From spite and petty malice free.

Let me not bitterly complain
When cherished hopes of mine prove vain.
Or spoil with deeds of hate and rage
Some fair tomorrow's spotless page.
Lord, as the days shall come and go
In courage let me stronger grow.

Let me with patience stand and wait
A friend to all who find my gate.
Keep me from envy and from scorn
As shines the sun with every morn.
On great and low, so let me give
My love to all who round me live.

Lord, as the New Year dawns today
Help me to put my faults away.
Let me be big in little things
Grant me the joy which friendship brings.
Keep me from selfishness and spite
Let me be wise in what is right.

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye.
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend.
Have lived and loved and labored here
And made of it a happy year.

by Edgar A. Guest