The new year's finally rolled around,
The old year's done its share.
I made no resolution
But I prayed a little prayer

Dear God above please help me
To do the thing that's right.
I want a conscience that is clear;
I want a heart that is light.

Please keep me far from evil's path;
I need you for my guide.
Just walk before me--light my way;
I'll follow in your stride.

And if this prayer is answered,
If He rids my soul of stain,
I can say in 'Forty-eight,

"Forty-seven was not in vain."

I found a typed copy of the prayer today in some papers that belonged to my grandmother who died in 1990. - Russ Richardson