Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.
Deuteronomy 6:5–7
Words: Norman E. Richardson (1878–1945) and Florence I. Judson-Bradley (1869–1944).
Music: Hesperus Henry Baker, 1854. First published in A Hymnal for Use in the English Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
If you know where to get a good photo of Judson-Bradley or Baker (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels), or a better one of Richardson
My Lord, I do not ask to stand
As king or prince of high degree;
I only pray that hand in hand
A child and I may come to Thee.
To teach a tender voice to pray,
Two childish eyes Thy face to see—
Two feet to guide in Thy straight way;
This fervently I ask of Thee.
O grant Thy patience to impart
Thy holy law, Thy words of truth;
Give, Lord, Thy grace, that my whole heart
May overflow with love for youth.
As step by step we tread the way,
Trusting, and confident, and free
A child and I shall, day by day,
Find sweet companionship with Thee.