A Mother’s Birthday

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known
  A mother's love and tender care:
  And Thou wilt hear,
  While for my own
  Mother most dear
  I make this birthday prayer.
Protect her life, I pray,
  Who gave the gift of life to me;
  And may she know,
  From day to day,
  The deepening glow
  Of joy that comes from Thee.
As once upon her breast
  Fearless and well content I lay,
  So let her heart,
  On Thee at rest,
  Feel fear depart
  And trouble fade away.
Ah, hold her by the hand,
  As once her hand held mine;
  And though she may
  Not understand
  Life's winding way,
  Lead her in peace divine.
I cannot pay my debt
  For all the love that she has given;
  But Thou, love's Lord,
  Wilt not forget
  Her due reward,—
  Bless her in earth and heaven.