Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
Words: Thomas Hastings, The Mother’s Hymn Book (New York: Ezra Collier, 1836), number 48. Prayer for Conversion and Sanctification of Children.
Music: Berlin (Osgood) Josiah Osgood, in The Brilliant, by William T. Giffe (Indianapolis, Indiana, 1874), page 15 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you have access to a good picture of Osgood (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
God of mercy, hear our prayer
For the children Thou hast giv’n;
Let them all Thy blessing share,
Grace on earth and bliss in Heav’n.
In the morning of their days
May their hearts be drawn to Thee;
Let them learn to lisp Thy praise
In their earliest infancy.
When we see their passions rise—
Sinful habits unsubdued;
Then to Thee we lift our eyes,
That their hearts may be renewed.
Cleanse their souls from every stain,
Through the Savior’s precious blood;
Let them all be born again,
And be reconciled to God.
For this mercy, Lord, we cry;
Bend Thine ever gracious ear;
While on Thee our souls rely,
Hear our prayer, in mercy hear.