1 Gracious Savior, gentle Shepherd,
Children all are dear to you;
May your loving arms enfold them
In your care their whole life through;
Fondly tend and safely keep them
In your mercy strong and true.

2 Tender Shepherd, never leave them,
Never let them go astray;
By your warning love directed,
May they walk the narrow way!
Thus direct them, thus defend them
Lest they fall an easy prey.

3 Cleanse their hearts from sinful folly
In the stream your love supplied,
Mingled stream of blood and water
Flowing from your wounded side;
And to heav'nly pastures lead them,
Where your own sill waters glide.

4 By your holy Word instruct them;
Fill their minds with heav'nly light;
By your pow'rful grace constrain them
Always to approve what's right;
Let them know your yoke is easy,
Let them prove your burden light.

5 Taught to lisp your holy praises,
Which on earth your children sing,
With their lips and hearts, sincerely,
Glad thank off'rings may they bring,
Then with all the saints in glory
Join to praise their Lord and King.