A Parent's Prayer

They're only little once.

Grant me the wisdom to guide them

down the path that their feet should take.
For I know that they can never turn back and

walk those paths with me again.
Give me the wisdom to guide their feet so that

someday they'll be able to walk alone.

They're only little once.

Give me the time I need to enjoy them.
For I know that after they're grown, I'll never have

another chance to tell stories and

pretend at those tea parties.

I'll never have another chance to watch

them in a school play or sing in church,

or to see them catch that first fish

or score that first goal

or hit that first home run ball.
Give me the time in life's busy schedule to

have fun with my children.

They're only little once.

Let me be a loving parent.
Let me correct and not just punish,

explain and not merely scold.
Let me know when to correct, and how often,

and when it's best to just look the other way.
Help me be patient and give me a gentle hand to

mold them into better people.

They're only little once.

Let me be a good teacher and

an even better example.
Give me the right words and deeds to teach them.
Help me to teach them about You

and how to walk in Your ways
so that when they are older

they will not depart from Your ways.

For they're only little one time,

only innocent and trusting and

pliable for a space of time,

one minute in an eternity.
Let me do my best for them

while I have the chance.

Amen

~Anonymous~