"He Prayeth Best" is a short but powerful excerpt from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's famous poem, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." These lines remind us that true kindness and compassion come from loving all living things, both big and small. By caring for everything around us—animals, birds, people—we show our gratitude for the world and its Creator, who loves all things deeply.
Farewell, farewell! but this I tell
To thee, thou Wedding-Guest!
He prayeth well who loveth well
Both man and bird and beast.
He prayeth best who loveth best
All things, both great and small:
For the dear God who loveth us,
He made and loveth all.
Samuel T. Coleridge.
This poem is a gentle lesson about kindness. It tells us that the best kind of prayer comes from a loving heart. When we show kindness to everything around us—people, animals, and nature—we are showing our love for the world. It’s like saying a silent “thank you” for everything we have.
Imagine treating each creature as something special. Even a tiny bird or a big, strong animal deserves our respect. The poem teaches that by loving everything, we become kinder and better people. It helps us remember that every creature is important because they were all made by someone who cares for them.
"He Prayeth Best" encourages us to look at the world with gentle eyes and to treat all things with care. The more we love the world, the more connected we feel. So next time you see a bird or a pet, think of this poem, and remember that kindness makes the world a happier place for all!