Master, of all without and within
inspire me with the need to pray;
keep me, my Guide, from every sin
and temptations not only for today.

Help me both to diligently heed
the call to work and play:
make me kind in word and deed,
rather more than just today.

Let me be slow to command,
prompt me quickly to obey;
Help me meet every demand
for  self-denial sacrifices today.

Let me no hurtful quips
in spite unthinking say;
set thou a seal upon my lips
throughout all of today.

Help me now to know my place,
but still with a leading role to play:
let me be grateful for thy grace,
Dear Master,  not only for today.

Should by night this life of mine
decline and ebb away,
bear me aloft to heaven divine,
redeemed forever there to stay.

But if in Purgatory I am to lie
brief must be my stay;
I trust  if I am judged today
in Hell I shall not fry.

As for what awaits beyond today
I do not care nor need to pray:
all I hope is that you may
close beside me ever stay.

tobias