Prayer for a Blessing

Bestow, dear Lord, upon our youth, The gift of saving grace; And let the seed of sacred truth Fall in a fruitful place.

Grace is a plant, where'er it grows, Of pure and heavenly root; But fairest in the youngest shows, And yields the sweetest fruit.

Ye careless ones, O hear betimes The voice of sovereign love! Your youth is stain'd with many crimes, But mercy reigns above.

True, you are young, but there's a stone Within the youngest breast; Or half the crimes which you have done Would rob you of your rest.

For you the public prayer is made; Oh! Join the public prayer! For you the secret tear is shed: Oh shed yourselves

We pray that you may early prove The Spirit's power to teach; You cannot be too young to love That Jesus whom we preach.