Gather the Children and Pray
By Stella Cole Putnam
O GATHER the children, mothers,
At the opening of the day!
Teach them a precious promise,
Teach their young lips to pray. Before the burdens enthrong you,
And you're cumbered with cares of the day,
You'll find it will strengthen and help you
To gather the children and pray. The snares for young feet are so many;
Would we keep them from going astray
We must plead more for guidance from Heaven,
And gather the children to pray. When the shadows of evening enfold you,
And the trials are o'er for the day,
It will rest you, O mother so weary!
To gather the children and pray. How sweet, at the end of life's journey,
While some to the mountains shall call,
To present to the Master our children —
Not a part of them only, but all.