I Heard My Daddy Pray

by Forrest D. Moyer

Seems tonight my thoughts go back to Peaceful Valley

When I was a little lad.

And old home scenes of my childhood seem to linger

There with Mom and dear old Dad.

Dad would pray each night ere bedtime.

List’ning in I’d hear him say,

“Bless and guard my son and keep him;

Guide him through his life, I pray.”

When I was a little boy

And sat on Daddy’s knee,

He said, “Son, I want to tell you now,

You listen here to me.

“Old Satan’s gonna try hard

To lead your soul astray.

But don’t you pay attention, now.

You go the other way.

“He’s gonna try to seduce you

To follow the wrong crowd.

He’s gonna whisper, beckon,

And even call aloud.

“But don’t listen to that old Devil.

Don’t heed a word he has to say.

When he calls you to come with him,

Turn your head the other way.

“Don’t let some evil woman

Lead you into sin.

Don’t gamble with your money,

You know you’ll never win.

“Let the good Lord guide and help you.

Let Him lead you in the light.

Follow what the good book says.

Do the thing that’s right.

“When you’re old and life’s ‘most over

And you look back at what you’ve done,

You know the Lord will smile in glory,

And say, ‘Of my children, he is one.’

“Then when time is gone forever;

When no more your footsteps roam,

Let the good Lord bless and keep you.

Let Him take your soul on home.”

Days have passed since I was there in Peaceful Valley.

I have wandered far away.

Yet tonight I seem to be there near the fireside.

And I hear my Daddy pray.

Passing years have not been lonely.

I have followed in his way.

I’m so thankful to remember

That I heard my Daddy pray.