Heavenly Father, may Your blessing

1 Heavenly Father, may Your blessing
rest upon Your children now,
when in praise Your name they hallow,
when in prayer to You they bow:
in the wondrous story reading
of the Lord of truth and grace,
may they see Your love reflected
in the light of His dear face.

2 May they learn from this great story
all the arts of friendliness;
truthful speech and honest action,
courage, patience, steadfastness;
how to master self and temper,
how to make their conduct fair;
when to speak and when be silent,
when to do and when forbear.

3 May His Spirit wise and holy
with His gifts their spirits bless,
make them loving, joyous, peaceful,
rich in goodness, gentleness,
strong in self-control, and faithful,
kind in thought and deed; for He
teaches, 'What you do for others
you are doing unto me.'

Source: The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook #269