The Catholic Community Services of Salt Lake City sent me a copy of this prayer which I want to share. This prayer was sent in connection with the 'World Priest Day' celebration on the 31st of October 2010.
We need them in life's early morning.
We need them again at its close.
We feel their warm clasp of true friendship;
We seek them when tasting life's woes.
At the altar each day we behold them.
The hands of a king on his throne are not equal to them
in their greatness; Their dignity stands alone.
And when we are tempted and wander to pathways of shame and sin,
it's the hand of a priest that will absolve us, not once, but again and again.
And when we are taking life's partner, other hands may prepare us a feast,
but the hand that will bless and unite us is the beautiful hand of priest.
God bless them and keep them holy, for the Host, which their fingers caress.
When can a poor sinner do better than to ask Him to guide thee and bless.
When the hour of death comes upon us, may our courage and strength be increased
by seeing raised over us in blessing, the beautiful hands of a priest.
