The Evening Prayer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 16, 1914

ALL day the children's busy feet Had pattered to and fro; And all the day their little hands Had been in mischief so,

That oft my patience had been tried; But tender, loving care Had kept them through the day from harm, And safe from every snare.

But when the eventide had come, The children went upstairs, And knelt beside their little beds, To say their wonted prayers.

With folded hands and rev’rent mien, “Our Father,” first they say, Then, “Now I lay me down to sleep,” With childlike faith they pray.

With cheeks upon the pillow pressed, They give a kiss, and say: “Good night; we love you, dear mamma, You’ve been so kind today.”

“Dood night; I love oo, too, mamma,” And baby’s eyelids close; And tired feet and restless hands Enjoy the sweet repose.

The trouble and the weariness To me indeed seemed light, Since love had thus my efforts crowned To guide their steps aright.

And as I picked the playthings up, And put the books away, My heart gave grateful thanks to God For his kind care all day.

— Selected.