Book II · Hymn 12 · Prayer for Children

William Cowper

Prayer for children.
Gracious Lord, our children see,
By thy mercy we are free;
But shall these, alas! remain
Subjects still of Satan's reign?
Israel's young ones, when of old

Pharaoh threatened to withhold;
Ex 10:9

Then thy messenger said, "No;
Let the children also go."
When the angel of the Lord
Drawing forth his dreadful sword,
Slew, with an avenging hand,

All the first-born of the land:
Ex 12:13

Then thy peoples' doors he passed,
Where the bloody sign was placed;
Hear us, now, upon our knees,
Plead the blood of CHRIST for these!
LORD we tremble, for we know
How the fierce malicious foe;
Wheeling round his watchful flight,
Keeps them ever in his sight:
Spread thy pinions, King of kings!
Hide them safe beneath thy wings;
Lest the rav'nous bird of prey

Stoop, and bear the brood away.