A Mother’s Prayer

I wash the dirt from little feet,

And as I wash I pray,

“Lord, keep them ever pure and true

To walk the narrow way.”

I wash the dirt from little hands,

And earnestly I ask,

“Lord, may they ever yielded be

To do the humblest task.”

I wash the dirt from little knees,

And pray, “Lord, may they be

The place where victories are won

And orders sought from Thee.”

I scrub the clothes that soil so soon,

And pray, “Lord, may her dress

Throughout eternal ages be

Thy robe of righteousness.”

E’er many hours shall pass, I know

I’ll wash these hands again;

And there’ll be dirt upon her dress

Before the day shall end.

But as she journeys on through life

And learns of want and pain,

Lord, keep her precious little heart

Cleansed from all sin and stain;

For soap and water cannot reach

Where Thou alone canst see.

Her hands and feet, these I can wash–

I trust her heart to Thee.