Feed me, water and care for me, and when

the day's work is done, provide me with shelter, a

clean, dry bed and stall wide enough for me

to lie down in comfort.

Always be kind to me. Your voice often

means as much to me as the reins.

Never strike, beat, or kick me when I don't

understand what you want, but give me the chance to

understand you.

Pet me sometimes, that I may serve you the more gladly

and learn to love you.

Make sure that I am properly shod that I may serve you in comfort.

And finally, Oh my master, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or freeze or sell me to some cruel owner to be slowly tortured and starved to death; but do thou,

My master, take my life in the kindest way and God will reward you here and hereafter.

You will not consider me irreverent to ask this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.

AMEN