Prayer for the Children

1Heav'nly Father, send Thy blessing On the children gathered here,
May they all,
Thy name confessing,
Love Thy holy word to hear;
May they be like Joseph, loving,
Dutiful, and kind, and pure,
And their faith, like Samuel proving,
Steadfast in the right endure.

2Holy Saviour, who in meekness Came to earth a child to be,
Guide their steps and help their weakness,
Bless and make them like to Thee;
Bear Thy lambs when they are weary,
Safe upon Thy loving breast,
Thro' life's desert, dry and dreary,
Bring them to Thy heav'nly rest.

3Spread Thy golden pinions o'er them,
Holy Spirit from above;
Guide them, lead them, go before them,
Give them peace, and joy, and love;
Temples of Thy glorious Godhead,
May they with Thy presence shine,
And immortal bliss inherit,
And forevermore be Thine.