Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words…thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.
Deuteronomy 6:5–7
Words: Lizzie DeArmond, in New Songs of Praise, by Alfred E. Helton et al. (Lenoir, North Carolina: Teachers’ Music Publishing, 1913), number 1. This song is a touching reminder of how important it is to lead our children to Christ, and pray for them: The lessons we teach, and the examples we set, last a lifetime. And longer.
Music: George W. Bacon (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of DeArmond or Bacon,
I thought of you, mother, when tempted to stray,
When far from my Savior I wandered away;
In all the rough places it kept my life true,
Because of your message, I’m praying for you!
Refrain
I thought of you, mother, I thought of you, mother,
The love never failing, that followed your son;
I thought of you, mother, I thought of you, mother,
My soul for the Savior your pure life has won.
I thought of you, mother, tho’ long I have trod
The pathway that led me from home and from God;
Your trust never failing, your wonderful love,
Are guiding my footsteps to Jesus above.
Refrain
I thought of you, mother—no more will I roam;
The angels are shouting, A sinner’s come home!
When safe I am standing at Heaven’s bright goal,
I’ll look for the mother whose faith saved my soul.
Refrain