A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday (Lyrics)

A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday (Lyrics)

The work is a heartfelt prayer expressing gratitude and reverence for a mother's love and sacrifices. It begins with an appeal to Jesus, acknowledging His understanding of maternal affection. The speaker requests protection and blessings for their mother on her birthday, emphasizing her role in giving life and nurturing. The prayer reflects a deep desire for her to experience peace and comfort, paralleling the security the speaker felt as a child in her care. The speaker asks for her wishes to be fulfilled, while also recognizing that divine wisdom may lead to refusals, which should still bring her comfort. The imagery of holding hands symbolizes the bond between mother and child, with a plea for guidance through life's uncertainties. The speaker acknowledges the impossibility of repaying their mother's love but trusts that divine love will ensure she receives her due rewards both in this life and the afterlife. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of love, gratitude, and the spiritual connection between a mother and child, highlighting the importance of faith in seeking blessings for a beloved parent.

By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1906 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Inspirational · 252 words

First lines

Lord Jesus, Thou hast known A mother's love and tender care: And Thou wilt hear, while for my own Mother most dear I make this birthday prayer.

Protect her life, I pray, Who gave the gift of life to me; And may she know, from day to day, The deepening glow of Life that comes from Thee.

As once upon her breast Fearless and well content I lay, So let her heart, on Thee at rest, Feel fears depart and troubles fade away.

Her every wish fulfill; And even if Thou must refuse In anything, let Thy wise will A comfort bring such as kind mothers use.

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A Prayer for a Mother's Birthday (Lyrics) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1906 CE.

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Poetry · Religious · Devotional · Motherhood · Birthday · Prayer · Spirituality · Faith · Hope · Love · Family · Relationships

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