The focus of the lesson today
is the manner in which we pray.

Some pray with lips that mouth each proper word;
others do good deeds, ‘though they’re seldom heard.
Some pray too loudly, as if God were unhearing;
many strut proudly, with manner overbearing.
Some criticize others who pray less stylishly,
but isn’t that just a form of unjust hypocrisy?

Be sure to pray for others, not only for yourself;
put your own selfish desires back on the venal shelf.
For intent is what’s important: do ask to be forgiven.
Don’t just pray to ensure yourself a special spot in heaven.
Praise, worship and Glorify God,
but don’t stop there, for He
says the essential part of prayer is sincere Charity.

Always practice Faith and nurture Hope,
and embrace Charity;
the latter is a blessed virtue - the greatest of the three.
Without that trait,
‘though I speak with golden tongue of angels,
I am really nothing but sounding brass
or tiny tinkling cymbals.
An even if I possess the strength
to move that yonder mountain,
I still am nothing without Charity -
this our hearts must hearken.

Good deeds, when done by you unto His brethren least,
are done to Jesus also, and thus is faith increased.
We can save ourselves, we know, only through Jesus’ grace,
by doing good to others in quite more than just a trace.
God discerns our deepest motives -
so we really cannot hide.
It’s not just what’s spoken in prayer,
but what one has inside.

Assembling in your Church, and observing Baptismal rite,
are vital to some’s salvation and Heaven’s future bright.
But there are non church-goers
dispersed throughout the world
who have not religious banners of any faith unfurled,
but who can be equally holy and bless’d as any others
because of good deeds they have done
in helping their own brothers.

All creatures in the Universe are surely God’s creation,
although He still is not known in every single nation.
Goodness resides in everyone, despite professed belief;
Christ taught us that - on the cross,
when He forgave the dying thief.
If you are smug in thinking
that you’re one of the chosen few,
then I ask you, sister or brother, are you a Christian true?