Gracious Savior, Gentle Shepherd

1. Gracious Savior, gentle Shepherd,
Children all are dear to Thee;
Gathered with Thine arms and carried
In Thy bosom may they be;
Sweetly, fondly, safely, tended,
From all want and danger free.

2. Tender Shepherd, never leave them
From Thy fold to go astray;
By Thy warning love directed,
May they walk the narrow way!
Thus direct them, thus defend them,
Lest they fall an easy prey.

3. Cleanse their hearts from sinful folly
In the stream Thy love supplied,
Mingled stream of blood and water
Flowing from Thy wounded side;
And to heavenly pastures lead them,
Where Thine own still waters glide.

4. Let Thy holy Word instruct them;
Fill their minds with heavenly light;
Let Thy powerful grace constrain them
To approve whate'er is right;
Let them feel Thy yoke is easy,
Let them prove Thy burden light.

5. Taught to lisp Thy holy praises
Which on earth Thy children sing,
Both with lips and hearts, unfeigned,
Glad thank-offerings may they bring;
Then with all the saints in glory
Join to praise their Lord and King.