THE CHILD'S PETITION,
OUR Father who in Heaven art,
Give me a grateful, contrite heart,
Make me a gentle, loving child,
With temper meek, and passions mild.
Oh! Make me worthy of thy love,
Send down thy Spirit from above;
Increase my joys, soothe all my woes,
And let me on thine arm repose.
From early morn to dewy night,
Be thou my heart's supreme delight;
Direct my steps, control my will,
And bid each angry thought be still.
Dear Saviour, from thy throne on high
Regard me with a gracious eye;
Forgive my faults, my follies hide,
Be thou my strength, my guard, and guide.
Our Father who in Heaven art,
Give me a new, and guiltless heart,
Cleanse me from every secret sin,
That I a golden crown may win.
Through all life's dark and thorny ways
Teach me thy tender love to praise,
And when at last my race is run,
Oh! May I hear thee say, "Well done."