“Make me, O Lord, the instrument of your love,
that I may bring comfort to those who sorrow and
joy to those who are regarded as persons of little account.
In this country of many races,
make me courteous to those who are humble and
understanding to those who are resentful.
Teach me what I should be to the arrogant, the cruel,
for I do not know.
And as for me myself,
make me more joyful than I am,
especially if this is needed for the sake of others.
Let me remember my many experiences
of joy and thankfulness.
And may I this coming day
do some work of peace for thee.
Amen.”
— Alan Paton, author of “Cry the Beloved Country” and anti-aparteid activist
My Thoughts and the Thoughts of Others 