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33. The child's prayer

1 By Alpine lake, 'neath shady rock
The herdboy knelt beside his flock,
And softly told, with pious air,
His alphabet as evening prayer,
His alphabet as evening prayer.

2 Unseen, his pastor lingered near,
"My child, what means the sound I hear.
May I not in thy worship share,
And raise to heaven my evening prayer?
And raise to heaven my evening prayer?"

3 "Where'er the hills and valleys blend,
The sound of prayer and praise ascend.
My child, a prayer yours cannot be;
You've only said your A B C,
You've only said your A B C."

4 "I have no better way to pray,
All that I know to God I say;
I tell the letters on my knees;
He makes the words himself to please,
He makes the words himself to please.

Text Information
First Line: By Alpine lake, 'neath shady rock
Title: The child's prayer
Publication Date: 1897
Notes: Public Domain.
Tune Information
Name: [By Alpine lake, 'neath shady rock]
Key: F Major or modal
Notes: Public Domain.



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