A Child's Hymn

Hear my prayer, O heavenly Father,
           Ere I lay me down to sleep;
           Bid Thy angels, pure and holy,
           Round my bed their vigil keep.
           
           My sins are heavy, but Thy mercy
           Far outweighs them, every one;
           Down before Thy cross I cast them,
           Trusting in Thy help alone.
           
           Keep me through this night of peril
           Underneath its boundless shade;
           Take me to Thy rest, I pray Thee,
           When my pilgrimage is made.
           
           None shall measure out Thy patience
           By the span of human thought;
           None shall bound the tender mercies
           Which Thy Holy Son has bought.
           
           Pardon all my past transgressions,
           Give me strength for days to come;
           Guide and guard me with Thy blessing
           Till Thy angels bid me home.