A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known

 A mother's love and tender care:

And Thou wilt hear, while for my own

 Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.

Protect her life, I pray,

 Who gave the gift of life to me;

And may she know, from day to day,

 The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.

As once upon her breast

 Fearless and well content I lay,

So let her heart, on Thee at rest,

 Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.

Her every wish fulfill;

 And even if Thou must refuse

In anything, let Thy wise will

 A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.

Ah, hold her by the hand,

 As once her hand held mine;

And though she may not understand

 Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine.

I cannot pay my debt

For all the love that she has given;

 But Thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget

Her due reward,—bless her in earth and heaven.