The Prayer of Cyrus Brown
by Sam Walter Foss
“The proper way for a man to pray,”
Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,
“And the only proper attitude
Is down upon his knees.”
“No, I should say the way to pray,”
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
“Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapt and upturned eyes.”
“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Slow,
“Such posture is too proud.
A man should pray with eyes fast-closed
And head contritely bowed.”
“It seems to me his hand should be
Austerely clasped in front
With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,”
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.
“Well, I pray while resting every day,”
Said Mr. Henry Pack.
“So I should think you say your prayers
While lying on your back.”
“Last year I fell in Murphy’s well—
Headfirst,” said Cyrus Brown.
“With both my knees a’stickin’ up
And my head a’pointin’ down.”
“And I made a prayer right then and there,
The best prayer I ever said,
The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,
A’standing on my head.”
5 comments:
That was an on your knees laugher. I'll remember that one!
:) That was great, Travis!!
I'm really glad ya'll enjoyed it. I first heard it when I was in seminary, and it really made an impression on me, too!
That's a good one. Although I kept looking for another verse talking about the proper way to pray is looking around. And watching the musicians walk back to the stage. And seeing the teenagers whispering to each other. And seeing the federal agents watching the doorways...
Some one has to keep those church folks safe. We should all be thankful for those diligent souls who keep watch on the doors instead of praying with their eyes closed!
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