Hymn for My Dearest Friends

God, be mercifully near,
Object of my father's fear;
Me into Thy favour take,
Me preserve for Jesu's sake.

With Thy kind protection bless'd,
Calm I lay me down to rest;
All I have to Thee resign,
Lodge them in the arms Divine:

Her, my dearest earthly friend,
To Thy guardian love commend;
Day and night her Keeper be.
Knit her simple heart to Thee.

Make the little ones Thy care:
Bear them, in Thy bosom bear;
Mark'd with the Good Shepherd's si n.
Keep my lambs for ever Thine.