Lord Jesus Christ, the Children’s Friend

Above:  St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Rome, Georgia, November 15, 2009

Image Source = Bill Monk, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta

Words (1921) by Anna Bernadine Dorothy Hoppe (1889-1941)

Hymn Source = The Hymnal and Order of Service (1925), The Evangelical Lutheran Augustana Synod

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1.  Lord Jesus Christ, the children’s Friend,

To Thee the orphans we commend;

Do Thou their every need supply

Until they reach the home on high.

2.  Thou pleadest still so tenderly,

“Let little ones come unto Me.”

O grant us grace to do Thy will,

Our hearts with love and mercy fill.

3.  Bless Thou the fatherless, we pray,

Abide with them from day to day,

Feed Thou Thy lambs, O dearest Lord,

In verdant pastures of Thy Word.

4.  Grant that we heed Thy Word’s commands,

And give us willing hearts and hands;

Let us our gifts of love bestow,

That they Thy boundless love may know.

5.  Bless all who in the parents’ stead

Provide these little ones with bread;

Bless all who shield with loving arms

These helpless ones from all alarms.

6.  O precious Saviour, hear our prayers!

Protect Thy lambs from earthly snares;

Be Thou their Guide, O heavenly Friend,

Until they reach their journey’s end.