Gracious Lord, our children see, <br />By Thy mercy we are free; <br />But shall these, alas! remain <br />Subjects still of Satan's reign? <br />Israel's young ones, when of old <br />Pharaoh threaten'd to withhold, <br />Then Thy messenger said, 'No; <br />Let the children also go!' <br /> <br />When the angel of the Lord, <br />Drawing forth his dreadful sword, <br />Slew with an avenging hand, <br />All the first-born of the land; <br />Then Thy people's door he pass'd, <br />Where the bloody sign was placed: <br />Hear us, now, upon our knees, <br />Plead the blood of Christ for these! <br /> <br />Lord, we tremble, for we know <br />How the fierce malicious foe, <br />Wheeling round his watchful flight, <br />Keeps them ever in his sight: <br />Spread Thy pinions, King of kings! <br />Hide them safe beneath Thy wings; <br />Lest the ravenous bird of prey <br />Stoop and bear the brood away.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/olney-hymn-24-prayer-for-children/
