By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
As a lifelong fan of the late country and western singer Marty Robbins, I often listen to his music. After a recent session, I found myself humming a gospel song he and other musical artists recorded in the 1950’s and 60’s.
Entitled “An Evening Prayer”, it was written by Charles H. Gabriel and C. Maud Battersby. I also like the versions released by Sonny James and Elvis Presley; two other favorites gone too soon.
Marty’s rendition of that song kept replaying in my head at the same time I was feeling more discouraged about the state of our country today and how divided we have become – politically, socially, economically, ethnically, and even religiously.
Moreover, I’m worried about the lack of a unified response by some family members and friends, as well as government and the general public, to the COVID-19 pandemic which threatens all of us.
In the midst of this turmoil, I’ve been trying to analyze my own actions and reactions in the context of what Jesus Christ expects me to say and do in these troubled times as a professed Christian.
I encourage you to find this song on YouTube or elsewhere and play it for your own peace of mind.
Here are the simple but powerful words of the song which all of us might consider using to take stock of ourselves at the end of each day:
If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way,
Dear Lord, forgive.
If I have uttered idol words in vain,
If I have turned aside from want or pain,
Lest I myself shall suffer through the strain.
Dear Lord, forgive.
Forgive the sins I have confessed to Thee,
Forgive the secret sins I do not see,
Oh, guide me, love me and my keeper be,
Dear Lord, forgive.
If I have wounded any soul today,
If I have caused one foot to go astray,
If I have walked in my own willful way,
Dear Lord, forgive.
Keith Kappes can be reached at keithkappes@gmail.com