Prayer for the Young

Dear God,
I keep praying for the things I desire,

You tell me I'm selfish
and playing with fire--

It is hard to believe
I am selfish and vain,

My desires seem so real
and my needs seem so sane.

And yet You are wiser
and Your vision is wide

And You look down on me
and You see deep inside.

You know it's so easy
to change and distort,

And things that are evil
seem so harmless a sport.

Oh, teach me dear God,
to not rush ahead

But to pray for Your guidance
and to trust You instead,

For You know what I need
and that I'm only a slave

To the things that I want
and desire and cravel.

Oh, God in your mercy
look down on me now

And see in my heart
that I love You somehow,

Although in my rashness,
impatience, and greed,

I pray for the things
that I want and don't need--

And instead of a crown
please send me a cross

And teach me to know
that all gain is but loss,

And show me the way
to joy without end,

With You a my Father,
Redeemer, and Friend.

And send me the things
that are hardest to bear,

And keep me forever
safe in Your care.

~Helen Steiner Rice