578 Heavenly Father, send Thy blessing

1 Heavenly Father, send Thy blessing On Thy children gathered here; May they all, Thy name confessing, Be to Thee for ever dear; May they be like Joseph, loving, Dutiful, and chaste, and pure; And their faith, like David, proving, Steadfast unto death endure. 2 Holy Savior, who in meekness Didst vouchsafe a child to be, Guide their steps and help their weakness, Bless and make them like to Thee; Bear Thy lambs, when they are weary, In Thine arms, and at Thy breast; Through life's desert, dry and dreary, Bring them to Thy heavenly rest. 3 Spread Thy golden pinions o'er them, Holy Spirit, from above, Guide them, lead them, go before them, Give them peace, and joy, and love; Thy true temples, Holy Spirit, May they with Thy glory shine, And immortal bliss inherit, And forevermore be Thine.