422. Heayenly Father, send Thy blessing

Heayenly Father, send Thy blessing

On Thy children gathered here,

May they all, Thy Name confessing,

Be to Thee forever dear:

May they be, like Joseph, loving,

Dutiful, and chaste, and pure;

And their faith, like David, proving,

Steadfast unto death endure.

Holy Saviour, who in meefen

Didst vouchsafe a Child to be,

Guide their steps and help their weakness,

Bless and make them like to Thee;

Bear Thy lambs when they are weary

In Thine arms and at Thy breast,

Through life's desert dry and dreary

Bring- them to Thy heavenly rest.

Spread Thy golden pinions o'er them,

Holy Spirit, from above.

Guide them, lead them, go before them,

Give them peace, and joy, and love:

Thy true temples, Holy Spirit,

May they with Thy glory shine,

And immortal bliss inherit,

And for evermore be Thine.