PERFECT MAY NOT BE BEST

 “Perfection's what you MUST achieve? You're gonna hurt yourself, I do believe! No, please, pick out a gentler, kinder way, and patience, that's what wiser ones display.”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford

FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE

 “By definition, cruel isn't kind, and Living Truth is not the same as lies. And fears and hatred make the angry Blind, and folks are fools if they believe they're wise! Lord, Help me be your student, please, today… ta practice loving-kindness all the time. There's dragons out there someone needs ta slay, and also mountains I might need ta climb. So, strengthen my resolve, please, won't ya, Lord? And bless my heart with courage, now and here. Let's all now pray fer good, in one accord, and make the way fer peace and justice clear! Amen!”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford

TEACH ME, LORD!

 “Lord, teach me not ta be a crazy fool, who thinks he's wise and rarely tries ta pray, who's often vain enough ta think he's cool, whose habits help him fritter time away! No, make of me a conscientious guy, and help me live a life that honors You. Please, help me get myself and others high, by showing love with everything I do! Please and thank you!”

Copyright 2016 Stephen Cromwell Gifford

YOU WILL, LORD, NOT MINE

“Lord, Not my reckless will, but Yours, so wise! Lord, What might Be your will, right now and here? I’ve got some hopes and dreams I’d realize, but I will go Wherever you may steer! Lord Jesus, What would You have Me now do? ‘Cause My desire might be a foolish one! Whatever ‘s truly pleasing, Lord, ta You – with All I do, your Perfect Will be Done!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford

TRUSTING HIM

“To reconcile yourself ta trusting Him, that’s crucially important, friend, ta do. Instead of getting scared, uptight, and grim, why don’t ya trust your Savior through and through? Just offer up your Thanks and bold Requests! Your friend, the Lord, will all ya need Provide; he’ll help ya bravely meet life’s toughest tests, so Dig: in prayer’s where the wise abide!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford

PRAY FOR ME

“Please, don’t be mean ta me, don’t criticize, but lend an ear, and pray for me instead! You’ll have a better chance of being wise, if You’ve first heard what Christ and I have said.”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford 

THE LORD LOVES YOU

“If kindly, brave, and wise is what you’d Be, please, know right now the Lord is loving You! If You’ll devote yourself ta Truth, you’ll see! And that may help ya see your dreams come true! Okay?”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford 

PROTECTION

“Lord, Guide my steps… ta What is Good for me, without my harming anybody else. Lord, wise and careful ‘s What I gotta Be; all Heaven, Help me not ta harm my Self!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford

DECISIONS II

(for someone learning to pray, like me)

“Is This decision kind, and is it smart? Man, Is it truly wise, a path with heart? Or will it be a choice that you regret – ‘cause you ain’t formed the prayer habit yet?”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford 

A GUY'S PRAYER

 “Please make of me a kinder, wiser man – please, help me do the very best I can. At times I might not be too sweet or smart, so, grant me, please, an understanding heart!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford

OVERCOMING ANGER

 “When fearful fools desire ta kill their foes, those fools could choose ta love those foes, instead. ‘Cause courage Is an option, Heaven knows, and kindness is the path that wise ones tread. Please, Heaven, help me choose the wisest way, and bless me now with lots o’ self-control. Please, help me practice mercy, every day, with all my mind, my strength, my heart and soul!”

Copyright 2016 by Stephen C. Gifford

PRAYER FOR HELP

"Lord, help me never feel compelled to sin. And let me never be a fool, who strays. Please, help me every day with prayer begin; may Holy Spirit's flame within me blaze! Please, help me concentrate on serving you, on doing what's most wise and truly kind! Lord, help me never be without a clue, and keep my heart toward righteousness inclined! THANK YOU!"

by Steve Gifford, Copyright 2013 by Marie L. Nickerson

HELP ME, HOLY SPIRIT!

Now, What’s the Kindest thing that I could Do, and Best fer generations yet ta come? I’m Countin’ On more Wisdom comin’ through, so, Holy Spirit, Won’t ya Give me some? Please and Thank You!

Copyright 2013 by Marie L. Nickerson

WORDS OF ENCOURAGMENT

Just How kin I encourage you today? Some kindly words might help me Touch your heart: may Heaven Bless you NOW in every way, by Helping you be kind, and brave, an' Smart! I Know that you can Do it, Yes, You Can! You'll make it all the way ta Sweet Success! Be sure ta tell the Truth and fear no man, so Blessings can be More, and troubles Less! That’s what I wish for You!