• I gave you life, but I cannot live it for you.
• I CAN teach you things, but I cannot make you ear
• I CAN give directions, but I cannot always be there to lead you.
• I CAN allow you freedom, but I cannot account for it
• I CAN take you to church, but I cannot make you believe
• I CAN buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you lovely inside
• I CAN teach you right from wrong, but I cannot always decide for you
• I CAN offer you advice, but I cannot make you accept it
• I CAN give you love, but I cannot force it upon you
• I CAN teach you respect, but I cannot build your reputation
• I CAN advise you about sex, but I cannot keep you pure
• I CAN tell you about drugs and alcohol, but I cannot say NO for you.
• I CAN tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you.
• I CAN teach you kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious
• I CAN advise you about fiends, but I cannot choose them for you
• I CAN warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral
• I CAN pray for you, but I cannot make you walk with God

Rediscovering the prayer in my career journal, I was reminded of my facilitatory days when I taught a New Mother Support Group and a Parents’ Group that focused on children that had succumbed to substance abuse. I recall both groups finding comfort in the prayer and sometimes even humor as they would ad lib lines.