Father, We Thank Thee

portrait — Daniel Batchellor
(1845–1934)

Words: Rebecca J. Weston, probably in the 1870s. She reportedly wrote the hymn for use of her kindergarten students at the Garland School on Chestnut Street, Boston, Massachusetts (later renamed to Garland Junior College for Women, and closing in 1976). The hymn was quoted in The Story of Patsy, 1882, by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin (who later wrote Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm).

Music: Batchellor Daniel J. Batchellor, 1885 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good photo of Weston (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Batchellor,

Father, we thank Thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the world so fair.

Help us to do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play,
To love Thee better day by day.

Scripture Verse

Introduction

Lyrics