A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known
 A mother's love and tender care:
And Thou wilt hear, while for my own
 Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.

Protect her life, I pray,
 Who gave the gift of life to me;
And may she know, from day to day,
 The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.

As once upon her breast
 Fearless and well content I lay,
So let her heart, on Thee at rest,
 Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.

Her every wish fulfill;
 And even if Thou must refuse
In anything, let Thy wise will
 A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.

Ah, hold her by the hand,
 As once her hand held mine;
And though she may not understand
 Life's winding way, lead her in peace divine.

I cannot pay my debt
For all the love that she has given;
 But Thou, love's Lord, wilt not forget
Her due reward,—bless her in earth and heaven.