Will you be truly grateful
As food upon your tables spread.
Is it humility or hypocrisy
When a table grace is said?

When you're safe in the winter storm
And have plenty of clothes to wear,
And yet deny the ragged beggar;
There'll be no wings on your prayer.

God knows our every utterance
He knows if it's sincere or not,
So choose your words carefully;
He'll remember, long after you've forgot.

Soon you may not have to pray
Like the hypocrite often pray,
You may be the pauper or the beggar
Come next Thanksgiving Day!

When you're seated at this year's feast
Pray from a heart that's tried and true,
Be sure to thank the God of Heaven
For all the things He's given you!

And when you've given thanks
Be sure above all you're sincere,
Then look with greater expectation
For many blessing the coming year.
 

                                             Carl L. Hempen