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 joy that comes from Thee.

As once upon her breast
  Fearless and well content I lay,
      So let her heart,
        On Thee at rest,
      Feel fear depart
        And trouble fade away.

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.