My Children

Today I am cleaning out boxes and bins and files full of old papers. Mixed in with financial records, I've discovered lovely notes and birthday cards that have given me just a twinge of sentimentality. I am reminded of all that I will be leaving behind in just a few short months. But I also found this poem by Amy Carmichael, a prayer about her children in India. What a reminder of the joyful work that is ahead of me! I began to think of "my children" and to pray into the future for them. Forgive me for using so many of Amy Carmichael's quotes, but I'm sure you can imagine why her story and words so often speak what is in my heart.

Father, hear us, we are praying, 

Hear the words our hearts are saying,

We are praying for our children.

Keep them from the powers of evil.

From the secret, hidden peril,

Father, hear us for our children.

From the whirlpool that would suck them,

From the treacherous quicksand, pluck them,

Father, hear us for our children.

From the worldling's hollow gladness,

From the sting of faithless sadness, 

Father, father, keep our children.

Through life's troubled waters steer them,

Through life's bitter battle cheer them, 

Father, father, be Thou near them.

Read the language of our longing, 

Read the wordless pleadings thronging,

Holy Father, for our children.

And wherever they may bide,

Lead them home at eventide. 

Some of My Darling Girls