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LITTLE FOLDED HANDS

Prayers for Children


Compiled from Various Sources


Revised Edition



Morning Prayers.


1.

  Now I awake and see the light;
  Lord, Thou hast kept me through the night.
  To Thee I lift my voice and pray
  That Thou wilt keep me through the day.
  If I should die before 'tis done,
  O God, accept me through Thy Son! Amen.


2.

  The morning bright
  With rosy light
  Has waked me from my sleep;
  Father, I own
  Thy love alone
  Thy little one doth keep.

  All through the day,
  I humbly pray,
  Be Thou my Guard and Guide;
  My sins forgive
  And let me live,
  Blest Jesus, near Thy side. Amen.


3.

  Now I raise me up from sleep,
  I thank the Lord who did me keep,
  All through the night; and to Him pray
  That He may keep me through the day.
  All which for Jesus' sake, I say. Amen.


4.

  O help me, Lord, this day to be
  Thy own dear child and follow Thee;
  And lead me, Savior, by Thy hand
  Until I reach the heavenly land. Amen.


5.

  O Lord, my God, to Thee pray
  While from my bed I rise
  That all I do and all I say
  Be pleasing to Thine eyes. Amen.


6.

  Jesus, Lord, to Thee I pray,
  Guide and guard me through this day.
  As the shepherd tends his sheep.
  Lord, me safe from evil keep.
  Keep my feet from every snare,
  Keep me with Thy watchful care.

  All my little wants supply
  If I live or if I die.
  And when life, O Lord, is past,
  Take me to Thyself at last. Amen.


7.

  In the early morning,
  With the sun's first rays.
  All God's little children
  Thank and pray and praise.

  I, too, thanks would offer,
  Jesus, Shepherd dear,
  For Thy tender pasture,
  For Thy guiding care.

  And I would implore Thee,
  Be with me this day,
  Lest I from Thee wander,
  Into danger stray. Amen.


8.

  For this new morning with its light,
  For rest and shelter of the night,
  For health and food, for love and friends.
  For everything Thy goodness sends,
  We thank Thee, dearest Lord. Amen.


9.

  I thank Thee, Lord, for sleep and rest,
  For all the things that I love best,
  Now guide me through another day
  And bless my work and bless my play.
  Lord, make me strong for noble ends,
  Protect and bless my loving friends;
  Of all mankind good Christians make.
  All this I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.


10.

  Jesus, gentle Shepherd,
  Bless Thy lamb to-day;
  Keep me in Thy footsteps,
  Never let me stray.
  Guard me through the daytime.
  Every hour, I pray;
  Keep my feet from straying
  From the narrow way. Amen.


11.

  Keep my little tongue to-day,
  Keep it gentle while I play;
  Keep my hands from doing wrong.
  Keep my feet the whole day long;
  Keep me all, O Jesus mild,
  Keep me ever Thy dear child. Amen.


12.

  Jesus, keep me all this day.
  When at school and when at play;
  May I do all things I ought,
  May I hate each evil thought;
  Help me love and trust in Thee
  Now and through eternity. Amen.


13.

  O blessed Lord, protect Thou me
  And my dear parents graciously;
  With Thy strong arm be ever near
  To brothers and to sisters dear.
  And all our loved ones in the land,
  Protect them with Thine own right hand.
  From sin defend and keep me free;
  Help me a Christlike child to be. Amen.


14.

  My Father, for another night
  Of quiet sleep and rest.
  For all the joys of morning light,
  Thy holy name be blest. Amen.


15.

  Now with the new-born day I give
  Myself anew to Thee,
  That as Thou willest, I may live,
  And what Thou willest, be. Amen.


16.

  Lord, for the mercies of this night
  My humble thanks I pay
  And unto Thee I give myself
  To-day and every day. Amen.


17.

  Whate'er I do, things great or small
  Whate'er I speak or frame.
  Thy glory may I seek in all,
  Do all in Jesus' name.

  My Father, for His sake I pray.
  Thy child accept and bless
  And lead me by Thy grace to-day
  In paths of righteousness. Amen.


18.

I thank Thee, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son,
that Thou hast kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray
Thee that Thou wouldst keep me this day also from sin and every evil,
that all my doings and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I
commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel lie
with me, that the wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.




Evening Prayers.


19.

  Savior, lay Thy hand on me,
  Bless me, and remember me. Amen.


20.

  Now I lay me down to sleep;
  I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to keep.
  If I should die before I wake.
  I pray Thee, Lord, my soul to take;
  And this I ask for Jesus' sake. Amen.


21.

  Dear Father in heaven,
  Look down from above;
  Bless papa and mama,
  And those whom I love.

  May angels guard over
  My slumbers, and when
  The morning is breaking,
  Awake me. Amen.


22.

  Now the light has gone away;
  Savior, listen while I pray.
  Asking Thee to watch and keep
  And to send me quiet sleep.

  Jesus, Savior, wash away
  All that has been wrong to-day;
  Help me every day to be
  Good and gentle, more like Thee.

  Let my near and dear ones be
  Always near and dear to Thee.
  O bring me and all I love
  To Thy happy home above. Amen.


23.

  In my little bed I lie:
  Heavenly Father, hear my cry;
  Lord, keep Thou me through this night.
  Bring me safe to morning light. Amen.


24.

  The day is past and over,
  All thanks, O Lord, to Thee!
  O Jesus, keep me in Thy sight
  And save me through the coming night.
  Amen.


25.

  The day is done;
  O God the Son,
  Look down upon
  Thy little one!

  O Light of Light,
  Keep me this night,
  And shed round me
  Thy presence bright.

  I need not fear
  If Thou art near;
  Thou art my Savior
  Kind and dear. Amen.


26.

  Forgive, O Lord, for Thy dear Son
  The ill that I this day have done.
  That with the world, myself, and Thee
  I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. Amen.


27.

  Watch o'er a little child to-night,
  Blest Savior from above,
  And keep me till the morning light
  Within Thine arms of love. Amen.


28.

  Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me:
  Bless Thy little child to-night;
  Through the darkness be Thou near me,
  Keep me safe till morning light.

  All this day Thy hand has led me,
  And I thank Thee for Thy care;
  Thou hast warmed me, clothed me, fed me;
  Listen to my evening prayer.

  May my sins be all forgiven;
  Bless the friends I love so well;
  Take me, Lord, at last to heaven.
  Happy there with Thee to dwell. Amen.


29.

  Lord, send me sleep that I may live;
  The wrongs I've done this day forgive.
  Bless every deed and thought and word
  I've rightly done, or said, or heard.
  Bless relatives and friends alway;
  Teach all the world to watch and pray.
  My thanks for all my blessings take
  And hear my prayer for Jesus' sake.
  Amen.


30.

  Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide,
  The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide!
  When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
  Help of the helpless, O abide with me! Amen.


31.

  At the close of every day,
  Lord, to Thee I kneel and pray.
  Look upon Thy little child,
  Look in love and mercy mild.
  O forgive and wash away
  All my naughtiness this day,
  And both when I sleep and wake
  Bless me for my Savior's sake. Amen.


32.

  Lord, I have passed another day
  And come to thank Thee for Thy care.
  Forgive my faults in work or play
  And listen to my evening prayer.
  Thy favor gives me daily bread
  And friends, who all my wants supply:
  And safely now I rest my head,
  Preserved and guarded by Thine eye.
  Amen.


33.

  All praise to Thee, my God, this night
  For all the blessings of the light:
  Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,
  Beneath Thine own almighty wings. Amen.


34.

  I fall asleep in Jesus' wounds,
  There pardon for my sins abounds;
  Yea, Jesus' blood and righteousness
  My jewels are, my glorious dress,
  Wherein before my God I'll stand
  When I shall reach the heavenly land.
  Amen.


35.

  The toils of day are over;
  I lift my heart to Thee
  And ask that free from peril
  The hours of night may be.
  O Jesus, make their darkness light
  And guard me through the coming night. Amen.


36.

O Lord God, I pray Thee, for Christ's sake, forgive me whatsoever I have
done wrong this day and keep me safe all the night while I am asleep. Amen.


37.

I thank Thee, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that
Thou hast graciously kept me this day; and I pray Thee that Thou wouldst
forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this
night. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all
things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the wicked Foe may have no
power over me. Amen.




Table Prayers.


Before Meals.


38.

Abba, Jesus! Amen.


39.

  Abba, Father, bless this food
  For our everlasting good. Amen.


40.

  Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest
  And let Thy gifts to us be blest. Amen.


41.

  O Bread of Life, from day to day
  Be Thou our Comfort, Food, and Stay.
  Amen.


42.

  Be present at our table, Lord,
  Be here and everywhere adored.
  Thy creatures bless and grant that we
  May feast in paradise with Thee. Amen.


43.

  Great God, Thou Giver of all good,
  Accept our praise and bless our food.
  Grace, health, and strength to us afford
  Through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord.
  Amen.


44.

  Jesus, bless what Thou hast given,
  Feed our souls with bread from heaven;
  Guide and lead us all the way
  In all that we may do and say. Amen.


45.

Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these Thy gifts which we receive
from Thy bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


46.

The eyes of all wait upon Thee, O Lord, and Thou givest them their meat
in due season: Thou openest Thine hand and satisfiest the desire of
every living thing. Amen.


47.

Grant us Thy grace, O Lord, that, whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever
we do, we may do it all in Thy name and to Thy glory. Amen.


After Meals.


48.

Thanks, Lord Jesus! Amen.


49.

Thanks be unto Thee, O God! Amen.


50.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Amen.


51.

  We thank the Lord
  For meat and drink
  Through Jesus Christ. Amen.


52.

  We thank Thee, dear Lord Jesus.
  That Thou our Guest hast been;
  O be Thou with us ever
  And save us from all sin. Amen.


53.

  We thank Thee for those gifts, O Lord;
  Pray feed our souls, too, with Thy Word.
  Amen.


54.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endureth
forever. Amen.


55.

Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me bless His holy
name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Amen.


56.

Heavenly Father, accept our thanks for this and for all Thy blessings,
through Jesus Christ. Amen.


57.

O God, who givest unto all their food, make us thankful and provide for
all the needy, now and evermore. Amen.


58.

  Accept, O Lord, our thankful praises
  For all Thy goodness did bestow;
  May it increase our faith and lead us
  Our praise by godly lives to show,
  That every deed and word may prove
  We trust and own our Father's love.
  Amen.


59.

We thank Thee, Lord God, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, our
Lord, for all Thy benefits, who livest and reignest forever and ever.
Amen.


60.

O Lord, we thank Thee for our daily bread. May it strengthen and refresh
our bodies! And we pray Thee, nourish our souls with Thy heavenly grace,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


61.

The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy
name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. Amen.




Prayers in Sickness.


62.

Lord, help me! Amen.


63.

Jesus, Redeemer, have mercy upon me! Amen.


64.

  Tender Jesus, meek and mild,
  Look on me, a little child;
  Help me, if it is Thy will,
  To recover from all ill. Amen.


65.

  I am weak, but Thou art mighty.
  Help me, O my God! Amen.


66.

Dear Father, help me believe that all things work together for good to
them that love God. Amen.


67.

  O Thou, from whom all blessings flow,
  I lift my heart to Thee;
  In all my sorrows, conflicts, woes,
  Dear Lord, remember me. Amen.


68.

Dear Father, Thy child is sick. Look upon me in tender mercy, and if it
be Thy will, raise me up and grant me health and strength. Amen.


69.

Heavenly Father, it hath pleased Thee to visit me with sickness, I know
that Thou art too kind and good to send me anything but for my blessing.
Help me to bear my illness and grant that I may soon recover, through
Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.


70.

  Other refuge have I none;
  Hangs my helpless soul on Thee:
  Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
  Still support and comfort me.
  All my trust on Thee is stayed,
  All my help from Thee I bring;
  Cover my defenseless head
  With the shadow of Thy wing! Amen.


71.

  Lord, gracious God, I cry to Thee,
  Still bless me with Thy favor,
  Forgive my sins, and let me live,
  Thy child remain forever.

  Thou hast redeemed me with Thy blood,
  Thou art my only Trust and God
  In every need, my Savior. Amen.


72.

  Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee!
  E'en though it be a cross
  That raiseth me;
  Still all my song shall be,
  Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer, my God, to Thee,
  Nearer to Thee. Amen.


73.

Lord Jesus Christ, my best Physician, I come to Thee in this my
sickness. I pray Thee to look upon me in tender mercy. Send Thy guardian
angel to watch over me and soon make me well. Amen.


74.

Lord Jesus, look down from heaven upon my mama (papa, brother, sister)
and soon make her (him) well again. Thou canst do all things; hear my
prayer! Amen.




Birthday.


75.

  Holy Jesus, every day
  Keep us in the narrow way,
  And when earthly things are past,
  Bring our ransomed souls at last
  Where they need no star to guide.
  Where no clouds Thy glory hide. Amen.


76.

  As a little child relies
  On a care beyond his own;
  Knows he's neither strong nor wise,
  Fears to stir a step alone,--
  Let me thus with Thee abide
  As my Father, Guard, and Guide!
  Amen.


77.

  Faithful Shepherd, feed me
  In the pastures green;
  Faithful Shepherd, lead me
  Where Thy steps are seen.

  Hold me fast and guide me
  In the narrow way;
  So, with Thee beside me,
  I shall never stray.

  Daily bring me nearer
  To the heavenly shore;
  May my faith grow clearer.
  May I love Thee more!

  Hallow every pleasure,
  Every gift and pain;
  Be Thyself my Treasure.
  Though none else I gain. Amen.


78.

  We thank Thee, heav'nly Father,
  For ev'ry earthly good,
  For life, and health, and clothing,
  And for our daily food.

  O give us hearts to thank Thee,
  For ev'ry blessing sent,
  And whatsoe'er Thou sendest
  Make us therewith content. Amen.


79.

  Holy Jesus, be my Light,
  Shine upon my way;
  Through this tempting, changing life
  Lead me day by day. Amen.


80.

  Lord, be Thou my constant Guide,
  Lead me all the way,
  Till I reach Thy home at last,
  Nevermore to stray. Amen.


81.

  O God, Thou faithful God,
  Thou Fount that ever flowest,
  Without whom nothing is,
  Who all good gifts bestowest:
  A pure and healthy frame
  O give me and within
  A conscience free from blame,
  A soul unhurt by sin. Amen.




For School and Church.


82.

  Lord Jesus Christ, to us attend.
  Thy Holy Spirit to us send. Amen.


83.

  Lord, teach us how to keep Thy day
  And lead and bless us all the way. Amen.


84.

  Lord, open Thou my heart to hear
  And by Thy Word to me draw near;
  Let me Thy Word still pure retain,
  Let me Thy child and heir remain. Amen.


85.

  Direct me now, O gracious Lord,
  To hear aright Thy holy Word;
  Assist Thy minister to preach,
  And let Thy Holy Spirit teach,
  And let eternal life be found
  By all who hear the joyful sound. Amen.


86.

  On what has now been sown
  Thy blessing, Lord, bestow;
  The power is Thine alone
  To make it spring and grow. Amen.


87.

Blessed Lord, let Thy blessing go with me to-day and grant that I may be
obedient to my teachers and may learn with pleasure whatever I am
taught, to Thy great honor and glory. Amen.


88.

O most gracious God, let me never forget the many good things that I
have heard this day; but let them abide in my heart, so that I may amend
my life, that I may be able to give a good account of them to Jesus
Christ, our Lord and Savior, when He comes to judge the world at the
Last Day, for whose sake I ask all blessings, and to whom be glory
forever and ever! Amen.


89.

  Almighty God, Thy Word is cast
  Like seed into the ground;
  Now let the dew of heaven descend
  And righteous fruits abound. Amen.


90.

  May the grace of Christ, our Savior,
  And the Father's boundless love,
  With the Holy Spirit's favor,
  Rest upon us from above.

  Thus may we abide in union
  With each other and the Lord
  And possess, in sweet communion,
  Joys which earth cannot afford. Amen.


91.

  O give me Samuel's ear,
  The open ear, O Lord,
  Alive and quick to hear
  Each whisper of Thy Word,
  Like him to answer at Thy call,
  And to obey Thee first of all. Amen.


92.

  Abide, O dear Redeemer,
  Among us with Thy Word
  And thus now and hereafter
  True peace and joy afford. Amen.


93.

  Now our worship sweet is o'er--
  Singing, praying, teaching, hearing:
  Let us gladly God adore
  For His gracious strength and cheering.
  Blest His name, who fain would save us,
  For the rich repast He gave us.

  Let our going out be blest,
  Bless our entrance in like measure;
  Bless, O Lord, our toil and rest,
  Bless our bread, our grief and pleasure;
  Be in death Thy blessing given,
  And make us blest heirs of heaven.
  Amen.


94.

  My God, accept my heart this day
  And make it always Thine,
  That I from Thee no more may stray,
  No more from Thee decline.

  Anoint me with Thy heavenly grace,
  Adopt me for Thine own,
  That I may see Thy glorious face
  And worship at Thy throne.

  Let every thought and work and word
  To Thee be ever given;
  Then life shall be Thy service, Lord,
  And death the gate of heaven. Amen.


95.

  Dismiss us with Thy blessing, Lord;
  Help us to feed upon Thy Word;
  All that has been amiss forgive
  And let Thy truth within us live. Amen.




Christmas.


96.

  Let us all with gladsome voice
  Praise the God of heaven,
  Who, to bid our hearts rejoice,
  His own Son hath given. Amen.


97.

  O Lord Christ, our Savior dear,
  Be Thou ever near us;
  Grant us now a glad New Year.
  Amen, Jesus, hear us! Amen.


98.

  O holy Child of Bethlehem,
  Descend to us, we pray;
  Cast out our sin and enter in.
  Be born in us to-day. Amen.


99.

  O welcome, little Christmas Guest,
  Dear Jesus, from above;
  Upon Thy face, so pure and mild,
  We see God's smile of love. Amen.


100.

  Precious Babe of Bethlehem,
  Gift of love to sinful men,
  Thou, our Savior, Lord, and King--
  May we all Thy praises sing! Amen.


101.

  Ah! dearest Jesus, holy Child,
  Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
  Within my heart, that it may be
  A quiet chamber kept for Thee. Amen.




General Prayers.


102.

  Come, dearest Savior, take my heart
  And let me ne'er from Thee depart. Amen.


103.

  Jesus, tender Savior,
  Thou hast died for me;
  Make me very thankful
  In my heart to Thee.
  When the sad, sad story
  Of Thy grief I read,
  Make me very sorry
  For my sins indeed.

  Now, I know Thou livest,
  And dost plead for me;
  Make me very thankful
  In my prayers to Thee.
  Soon I hope in glory
  At Thy side to stand;
  Make me fit to meet Thee
  In that happy land! Amen.


104.

  Lamb of God, I look to Thee;
  Thou shalt my example be;
  Thou art gentle, meek, and mild,
  Thou wast once a little child.

  Fain I would be as Thou art:
  Give me Thy obedient heart.
  Thou art pitiful and kind:
  Let me have Thy loving mind.

  Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb,
  In Thy gracious hands I am;
  Make me, Savior, what Thou art,
  Live Thyself within my heart.

  I shall then show forth Thy praise,
  Serve Thee all my happy days;
  Then the world shall always see
  Christ, the holy Child, in me. Amen.


105.

  Jesus, help my eyes to see
  All the good Thou sendest me.
  Jesus, help my ears to hear
  Calls for help from far and near.
  Jesus, help my feet to go
  In the way that Thou wilt show.
  Jesus, help my hands to do
  All things loving, kind, and true.
  Jesus, may I helpful be,
  Growing every day like Thee. Amen.


106.

  Be near me, Lord Jesus!
  I ask Thee to stay
  Close by me forever
  And love me, I pray.
  Bless all the dear children
  In Thy tender care
  And take us to heaven
  To live with Thee there. Amen.


107.

  Holy Spirit, give us
  Each a lowly mind;
  Make us more like Jesus,
  Gentle, pure, and kind.

  Holy Spirit, brighten
  Little deeds of toil,
  And our playful pastimes
  Let no folly spoil.

  Holy Spirit, help us
  Daily by Thy might
  What is wrong to conquer
  And to choose the right. Amen.


108.

  Jesus, from Thy throne on high,
  Far above the bright blue sky,
  Look on us with loving eye;
  Hear us, holy Jesus!

  Be Thou with us every day,
  In our work and in our play,
  When we learn and when we pray;
  Hear us, holy Jesus!

  May we grow from day to day,
  Glad to learn each holy way,
  Ever ready to obey;
  Hear us, holy Jesus!

  May we ever try to be
  From our sinful tempers free,
  Pure and gentle, Lord, like Thee;
  Hear us, holy Jesus!

  Jesus, Son of God most high,
  Who didst in the manger lie,
  Who upon the cross didst die--
  Hear us, holy Jesus! Amen.




Special Prayers.


For Parents.


109.

Almighty and most merciful God, who in Thy infinite goodness hast
committed us unto the charge of loving parents, who are to watch over us
and provide for all our wants of body and soul, we pray Thee, protect
and prolong their life, that we may continue to enjoy their loving care,
and strengthen us that as obedient children we may be subject to their
will and hold them in love and esteem; through Jesus Christ, our Lord
Amen.


For the Teacher.


110.

Dear Father in heaven, who in Thy goodness hast given us teachers that
they may instruct and train us in all useful knowledge, we pray Thee,
bless them with strength and patience so to guide our feeble footsteps
that, being warned, nurtured, comforted, and strengthened, we may do all
things well-pleasing to Thee and profitable to us; through Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen.


For the Pastor.


111.

O almighty God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to Thy holy
apostles many excellent gifts and commandedst them faithfully to feed
Thy flock, bless, we beseech Thee, our pastor that he may diligently
preach Thy holy Word, and grant us grace to believe Thy saving Gospel
and obediently to follow the teachings of Thy Word, that we may receive
the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.


For a Blessed End.


112.

  While life's paths we still are pressing,
  Grant us, Father, steadfast faith
  And for Christ's sake grant the blessing
  Of a peaceful, Christian death. Amen.




The Lord's Prayer.


113.

Our Father who art in heaven; Hallowed be Thy Name; Thy kingdom come;
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; Give us this day our daily
bread; And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass
against us; And lead us not into temptation; But deliver us from evil;
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and
ever. Amen.




Psalm 23.


114.

1. The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the
still waters.

3. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for
His name's sake.

4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will
fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort
me.

5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.




The Common Doxology.


115.

  Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
  Praise Him, all creatures here below;
  Praise Him above, ye heavenly host:
  Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.