O loving Father, our Staff and Stay,
Smile on Thy children, who to Thee pray.
Let Thy care and loving-kindness
Keep them this day.
Bless all Thy children; shield them from harm.
Comfort their souls with Thy saving arm,
Lest the wiles of Satan fill them
With dread alarm.
Smile with compassion! Let sorrow cease!
All Thy dear children from care release!
By Thy pity, grace, and mercy
Grant them Thy peace.
Then shall Thy children publish Thy fame:
“Great is our Savior; holy His name;
Ever faithful, changing never,
Always the same.”
Look at Thy children! See their bright eyes
Gazing with love and hope up to the skies!
Cheerful voices, thankful praises
To Thee arise.
This poem may be sung to the tune of “Voi che sapete” from “Le Nozze di Figaro” by Mozart.”