Our father was a farmer – Verse 263

Our father was a farmer,
His heart was in the soil
It’s there he found his solace,
Among the grimy toil.
He planted the seed in springtime,
The spuds, the beans, the hay,
He prayed that God would bless them,
A harvest, Lord, he prayed.
He tilled and cultivated them,
Provided the most tender care,
Believed that come October,
He’d reap a harvest fair.
Blue skies were his cathedral,
A tractor, his altar of prayer,
God met him in the hayfields,
They had communion there.
Our father was a farmer
That’s all he ever was.
The values that the land taught him,
He handed down to us.
We loved our farmer father -
We’re thankful, he was ours,
We pray that God will bless him,
Today and for all time.

One At Rest – Verse 266

Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep.
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts for I am just asleep.
The living, thinking me that was, is now forever still
And life goes on without me now, as time forever will.

If you heart is heavy now because I’ve gone away,
Dwell not long upon it, friend, for none of us can stay.
Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all.

And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry.
Matters it now if time began if time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all and now I am at peace.  

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes – Verse 268

O Holy Virgin,
in the midst of your days of glory,
do not forget the sorrows
of this earth.
Cast a merciful glance upon
those who are suffering,
struggling against difficulties,
with their lips constantly pressed
against life’s bitter cup.
Have pity on those who love
each other and are separated.
Have pity on our rebellious hearts.
Have pity on our weak faith.
Have pity on those who weep,
on those who pray, on those who fear.
Grant hope and peace to all.

Boxers Prayer – Verse 228

I ask you not for victory...
for somehow, that seems wrong,
but only for protection,
and the courage to be strong.
 
Strength not to conquer
but just that I'll fight well
and prove myself a sportsman
at the final bell.
 
And if by chance, he floors me
and the canvas I should meet
like Simon of Cyrene
Please help me to my feet.
 
Please help me to go the distance,
through rounds with danger rife,
not only in the boxing ring,
but in the larger ring of life.

Timothy – Verse 229

I have fought the good fight, I have
finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Henceforth there is laid up for me the
crown of righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

We miss your smile – Verse 236

We miss your smile, your joking ways,
We miss the things you used to say.
And when old times we do recall,
It’s then we miss you most of all.

Irish Blessing – Verse 210

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
good health, good luck, and happiness
for today and every day.

Irish Blessing – Verse 211

May the Irish hills caress you.
May her lakes and rivers bless you.
May the luck of the Irish enfold you.
May the blessings of Saint Patrick behold you.

Irish Blessing – Verse 212

These things, I warmly wish for you-
Someone to love, some work to do,
A bit of o’ sun, a bit o’ cheer.
And a guardian angel always near.

Irish Blessing – Verse 213

Whenever there is happiness
Hope you’ll be there too,
Wherever there are friendly smiles
Hope they’ll smile on you,
Whenever there is sunshine,
Hope it shine especially for you
to make each day for you
as bright as it can be.

Irish Blessing – Verse 214

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow.
May the soft winds freshen your spirit.
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you.
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.

Irish Blessing – Verse 215

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun.
And find your shoulder to light on.
To bring you luck, happiness and riches.
Today, tomorrow and beyond.