*Pastor’s Note: Helen Steiner Rice (1900-1981) was an influential American writer of inspirational and Christian poetry. She wrote and sold millions of books of her verses. Her poetry is quoted almost everywhere. My prayer is that you will be blessed and inspired by her poetry as much as I am.

LITTLE SPRINGTIME PRAYER

God, grant this little springtime prayer
And make our hearts, grown cold with care,
Once more aware of the waking earth
Now pregnant with life and bursting with birth . . .
For how can man feel any fear or doubt
When on every side all around and about
The March winds blow across man’s face
And whisper of God’s power and grace?
Oh, give us faith to believe again
That peace on earth, good will to men
Will follow this winter of man’s mind
And awaken his heart and make him kind . . .
And just as great nature sends the spring
To give new birth to each sleeping thing,
God, grant rebirth to man’s slumbering soul
And help him forsake his selfish goal.

From The Poems and Prayers of Helen Steiner Rice: Poetry by Helen Steiner Rice. Used by permission. All rights reserved.