old poem on preaching

THE PROPER WAY TO PRAY

By Sam Walter Foss

“The proper way for a man to pray,”

Said Deacon Lemuel Keyes,

“And the only proper attitude,

Is down upon the knees.”

“No, I should say the way to pray,”

Said Reverend Doctor Wise

“Is standing straight with outstretched arms

And rapt and upturned eyes.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Slow,

“Such posture is too proud.

A man should pray with eyes fast closed

And head contritely bowed.”

“It seems to me his hands should be

Austerely clasped in front,

With both thumbs pointing toward the ground,”

Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.

“Last year I fell in Hidgekin’s well

Headfirst,” said Cyrus Brown,

“With both heels a-stickin’ up

And my head a-pointing down.

“And I prayed a prayer right then and there,

The best prayer I ever said.

The prayingest prayer I ever prayed,

A-standin’ on my head.”