Lyrics
Father, hear a father’s pleading,
Hear a mother’s earnest cry:
For our children interceding.
Gracious Lord, don’t let them die.
We seek neither wealth nor honor
For them in this world of strife;
But through Jesus Christ our Savior,
Give them, Lord, eternal life.
Lord, we tremble for our children,
For we know their woeful case:
Theirs are hearts full of corruption,
Part of Adam’s fallen race.
We are helpless, Lord, to save them,
We cannot their hearts renew:
If You will, Lord. You can save them,
Nothing is too hard for You.
Lord, we would not be demanding,
Or presume upon Your grace,
But our hearts for them are bleeding.
Our dear children need your grace.
We commit them to Your mercy,
And we leave them in Your care:
Since it would be for Your glory
God, we pray, our children spare!
Song History & Meaning
Composer / Hymnodist: William Moore
There is no deeper ache or greater privilege for a parent than lifting their children up to the Father in prayer. This humble hymn echoes the heart of parents who set aside worldly ambitions to plead for the eternal spiritual life of their sons and daughters. As Jesus welcomed the little ones, He invites us to bring our children into His tender care. May our hearts be emboldened to continuously intercede for their souls, trusting in the Lord's boundless grace.
📖 Related Scripture Passages:
- 1 Timothy 2:1: “I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men:”
- Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
- Luke 18:16: “But Jesus summoned them, saying, “Allow the little children to come to me, and don’t forbid them, for of such is the Kingdom of God.””