143 O Father, Thou who hast created all

1 O Father, Thou who hast created all In wisest love, we pray, Look on this babe, who at Thy gracious call Is entering on life's way; Bend o'er him in his nothingness, Thine image on his soul impress; O Father, hear! 2 O Son of God, who diedst for us, behold, We bring our child to Thee; Thou tender Shepherd, take him to Thy fold, Thine own for aye to be; Defend him through this earthly strife, And lead him in Thy way of life, O Son of God! 3 O Holy Ghost, who broodedst o'er the wave, Descend upon this child; Give him undying life, his spirit lave With waters undefiled; Grant him from earliest years to be Thy learner apt, a home for Thee, O Holy Ghost! 4 O Triune God, what Thou command'st is done; We speak, but Thine the might; This child has scarce yet seen our earthly sun, O pour on him Thy light, In faith and hope, in joy and love, Thou Sun of all below, above, O Triune God!