PRAYER
We thank Thee, O Lord,
For the sweet and silent years of the Holy Childhood.
For the light and gladness brought into the world by little children.
For Thy servants who, by word and good example, are protecting and guiding Thy lambs in the dark and waste places.
For the Christian nurture, Christian homes, and Christian parents, which are the gifts of the Christ-Child to our nation; the strength of its life and the hope of its future.
For Thine assurance that inasmuch as we have done it unto the least of Thy little ones, we have done it unto Thee.
For the growing interest and co-operation of the children of the Church in the up-building of the world-wide Kingdom.
May it please Thee—
To guard and protect the innocence of children, and by their example to win men and women to a worthier life.
To bless family life, and direct parents in their sacred task, that Thy children may have a fear and love of Thy Holy Name.
To bring to the mothers of the world the knowledge which alone can sanctify their joy and soothe their sorrow.
(Spirit of Missions, February, 1910.)