Heavenly Father May Thy Blessing

This hymn is modelled on the hymn "Heavenly Father Send Thy Blessing" by Christopher Wordsworth: the verses with strong traditional images of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are simplified into a rule of life or "code of conduct" for children, which this hymn teaches.

The words were written by English Congregational Minister and author (ref) William Charter Piggott (1872-1943).

With meter 8.7.8.7 D, tunes it is set to include:

PLEADING SAVIOUR (also known as SALTASH) - From the Plymouth Collection 1855

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Examples

Instrumental - organ:

Instrumental - piano with on-screen lyrics:

Lyrics

Heavenly Father, may thy blessing
Rest upon thy children now,
When in praise thy name they hallow,
When in prayer to thee they bow:
In the wondrous story reading
Of the Lord of truth and grace,
May they see thy love reflected
In the light of his dear face.

May they learn from this great story
All the arts of friendliness;
Truthful speech and honest action,
Courage, patience, steadfastness;
How to master self and temper,
How to make their conduct fair;
When to speak and when be silent,
When to do and when forbear.

May his spirit wise and holy
With his gifts their spirits bless,
Make them loving, joyous, peaceful,
Rich in goodness, gentleness,
Strong in self-control, and faithful,
Kind in thought and deed; for he
Sayeth, 'What ye do for others
Ye are doing unto me.