Lord, I speak not in a scholarly language,
But somehow I know You won't care;
For mine is a humble petition,
Mine is the average man's prayer.
My thoughts, I'll admit, are not brilliant,
My Wishes--ah, you know them well.
There are many of me and my brethren,
So many, it's needless to tell.
You know I am one of those pluggers;
I go out each day, and I fight!
And sometimes I'm beaten--discouraged,
And God, but I'm weary at night.
I bark at my wife, who is patient,
I bully my kids, who cry,
I know I could be better natured,
But often...I don't even try.
But you know how rough things are running,
How, business is all in a hole.
A man's got to sweat for his living,
And struggle with body and soul.
Lord, help me face life with courage,
And bless everything that I do.
I'm dumb when it comes to this praying,
But I trust, and rely upon You.
Watch over the days of my dear ones,
They're all that I have; on the square,
I wish I could make this more lofty,
But it's only the average man's prayer.