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"Father" When I close my eyes
Send sweet angels from the skies
To guard me through the hours of night
And wake me with the morning light.
If I should die before the day.
Take my soul to Heaven I pray
That I may near my Savior be
Who said let children come to me
Forgive my sins Father and bless
Thy child who ne'er can love Thee less.
This prayer I have said at my own mothers knee
and each one of my children have said it to me
As a tender petition, it still recalls to my soul
Memories of a time when my faith was almost whole
We all dread the shadows in this life so strange
Our full hearts are grateful for each happy change
As I look back o'er the past. I bless the dear Hand
That has led me so safely. that to day I stand
So pleasantly surrounded with the hope full and free
That in Heaven my Savior has a place for even me.
MLW
Verbena June 12th 1892
Sunday afternoon