Prayer for a Little Girl

Dear Lord, our little baby bless

And fill her life with happiness.

Protect her through the coming years

And keep her lovely eyes from tears;

Keep her from pain and let her stay

As perfect as she is today.

Dear Lord, watch over her, lest she

Shall catch some ugly fault from me;

Guard her from selfishness and pride,

From anger at some whim denied.

And as the swift years come and go,

Grant that still lovelier she may grow,

Dear Lord, we ask, keep pure her mind,

Grant that no hasty thought may find

Lodgment therein, but from above

Send her the wisdom of Thy love.

May there be nothing base or vile

The joy of knowledge to defile.

Dear Lord, this for our babe we ask,

The strength and courage for her task,

Keep her from sin, and let her be

Always as radiant to see,

As beautiful and blithe and gay,

As perfect as she is to-day.

--Edgar A. Guest--