Prayer for Children at God’s Altar

Before God’s Altar-throne, on bended knee,
In humble adoration kneeling, see
A throng of little children, learning there
The Christian’s joy in worship, praise and prayer,
“O Lamb of God!” Hark! How sweetly they sing,
Their infant voices raising to their King!
Who, that hath heard this Heavenly hymn of praise,
But from this world of sin the heart would raise.

Here may Thy children, Lord, be ever led
To gaze on Thee! to see the “Living Bread!”
Here, too, may they be taught in Heavenly love
To seek the good, and hate the evil more.
Ere long, may they beneath the Holy Rood
Receive from priestly hands that Blessed Food,
Strengthened thereby in grace, one day to stand
As Saints of God in Heaven at His right hand.