Our father which art in Heaven.
Matthew 6:9
Words: Ann T. Gilbert, Hymns for Infant Minds 1810.
Music: Holley George Hews, 1835 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good picture of Hews (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Gilbert’s biographer says of this hymn:
It may not be too much to say that the manner of the Divine Teacher has been seldom more nearly approached. Such might have been the little child whom
He set in the midst.In such words might the most mature Christian address his father in Heaven.Memorials, 1874, p. 224
Great God! and wilt Thou condescend
To be my father and my friend?
I but a child—and Thou so high,
The Lord of earth and air and sky!
Art Thou my father? Canst Thou bear
To hear my poor imperfect prayer?
Or stoop to listen to the praise
That such a little one can raise?
Art Thou my father? Let me be
A meek, obedient child to Thee;
And try, in word and deed and thought,
To serve and please Thee as I ought.
Art Thou my father? I’ll depend
Upon the care of such a friend;
And only wish to do and be
Whatever seemeth good to Thee.
Art Thou my father? Then, at last,
When all my days on earth are past,
Send down, and take me, in Thy love,
To be Thy better child above.