1 Thou that once on mother's knee
Wert a little one like me,
When I wake or go to bed,
Lay thy hand about my head;
Let me feel thee very near,
Jesus Christ, my Saviour dear.

2 Be beside me in the light,
Close beside me all the night,
Make me gentle, kind, and true,
Do what mother bids me do.
Help and cheer me when I fret,
And forgive when I forget.

3 Thou art near me when I pray,
Tho' thou art so far away;
Thou my little hymn wilt hear,
Jesus Christ, my Saviour dear,
Thou that once on mother's knee
Wert a little one like me.