A Christmas prayer

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A CHRISTMAS PRAYER *** A CHRISTMAS PRAYER [Illustration: Decoration] BY JAMES W. FOLEY [Illustration: Decoration] Published by P. F. VOLLAND & CO. NEW YORK CHICAGO TORONTO COPYRIGHT 1918, P. F. VOLLAND & CO. [Illustration: Trees in snow] Dear Lord, these friends of mine, where they may stray, Wilt Thou bear each Thy blessing on this day? For now the season comes when Yule-logs burn, When hearts grow kind, and sweeter dreamings turn Unto these olden, golden friends. I pray Thy benediction on them all this day, And let Thy light of love and mercy shine, Dear Lord, this day, on all these friends of mine! [Illustration: Tree branches] [Illustration: Decoration] Dear Lord, if any weep, wilt Thou be kind? If any stray in error, wilt Thou find The way for them and bring them back to Thee With gifts of Thy rare love and sympathy? If any grieve, wilt Thou not bring them cheer, This day, another day and all the year? Break them the bread of love and pour the wine Of sympathy for all these friends of mine! [Illustration: Sun in clouds] [Illustration: Decoration] Dear Lord, if some be far from home this day, If some be wanderers upon the way, If some shall be in tears, and some shall cry With bitter pain, wilt Thou not pass me by And minister to them with tender care, And what of joy or gladness be my share Wilt thou not give to them? Be Thy divine And glorious peace upon these friends of mine! [Illustration: Trees in snow] [Illustration: Decoration] Dear Lord, if some be rich, bid Thou them bear Some joy this day to Sorrow and to Care. If some be glad with living, bid them go Afar or near and minister to Woe. Bring love to every heart and let it fill The cup of joy for each, and overspill, And let the light of sympathy so shine That none shall weep of all these friends of mine. [Illustration: Trees in snow] [Illustration: Decoration] So now when hearts grow kind and Yule-logs burn, When thoughts grow gentler, sweeter, and return To olden, golden friends, or far or near, This prayer of mine be hallowed with a tear Welled from the fount of love and sympathy, And sent upon the wintry night to Thee, Till all the world is warmed with love divine,---- Dear Lord, bless all these olden friends of mine! *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A CHRISTMAS PRAYER ***