Church Book ‎#319

319. Father, who hast created all

1 Father, who hast created all
In wisest love, we pray,
Look on this babe, who at Thy call
Is entering on life's way.
Bend o'er it now with blessing fraught,
And make Thou something out of naught.

2 O Son, who diedst for us, behold,
We bring this child to Thee!
Great Shepherd, take it to Thy fold,
Thine own for aye to be:
Defend it through this earthly strife,
And lead it on the path of life.

3 Spirit, who broodest o'er the wave,
Descend upon this child;
Give endless life, its spirit lave
With waters undefiled:
Grant it, while yet a babe, to be
A child of God, a home for Thee!

4 O God, what Thou command'st is done:
We speak, but Thine the might:
This child, which scarce hath seen the sun,
O pour on it Thy light,
In faith and hope, in joy and love,
Thou Sun of all below, above!

Text Information

• First Line: Father, who hast created all
• German Title: O Vaterherz
• Author: Albert Knapp (1850)
• Translator: Miss Winkworth (1858, a.)
• Meter: C. H. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: The Means of Grace: Baptism; Trinity Sunday
• Notes: Alternate tune: #332 or #484

Tune Information

• Name: ST. BRELADE
• Meter: C. H. M.
• Key: A Major
• Notes: Composer from index: Arthur H. Brown