A Child's Hymn

Hear my prayer, O heavenly Father,

           Ere I lay me down to sleep;

           Bid Thy angels, pure and holy,

           Round my bed their vigil keep.

           My sins are heavy, but Thy mercy

           Far outweighs them, every one;

           Down before Thy cross I cast them,

           Trusting in Thy help alone.

           Keep me through this night of peril

           Underneath its boundless shade;

           Take me to Thy rest, I pray Thee,

           When my pilgrimage is made.

           None shall measure out Thy patience

           By the span of human thought;

           None shall bound the tender mercies

           Which Thy Holy Son has bought.

           Pardon all my past transgressions,

           Give me strength for days to come;

           Guide and guard me with Thy blessing

           Till Thy angels bid me home.