The Fool’s Prayer

-by Edward R. Sill

The Royal feast was done; the King

Sought some new sport to banish care,

And to his jester cried: “Sir Fool,

Kneel now, and make for us a prayer.

The jester doffed his cap and bells,

And stood the mocking court before;

They could not see the bitter smile

Behind the painted grin he wore.

He bowed his head, and bent his knee

Upon the monarch’s silken stool;

His pleading voice arose: “O Lord,

Be merciful to me, a fool!

Sometimes it takes a fool to remind us of our folly. Full of pride, we refuse to see the things we have done. Before His eyes- rich, poor, educated, uneducated, or fool- are the same. Any prayer—a fool’s or a king’s—are the same. We all need to repent and the mercy of God.

It made me feel disappointed at myself. I was too busy in many things. I couldn’t even give Him 15 minutes. Even during the classroom prayer, I was busy worrying about the tests, requirements and other things that should not come before Him.

It was very simple. Yet, it really affected me. It’s beauty lies in its message or should I say reminder that prayer is prayer no matter who said it.