46. A christian home

O give us homes built firm upon the saviour,

Where christ is head and counsellor and guide;

Where ev’ry child is taught his love and favour,

And gives his heart to christ, the crucified:

How sweet to know that tho’ his foot-steps waver,

His faithful lord is walking by his side!

O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers,

Who always place their hope and trust in him;

Whose tender patience turmoil never bothers

Whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim;

A home where each finds joy in serving others,

And love still shines, tho’ days be dark and grim.

O give us homes where christ is lord and master,

The bible read, the precious hymns still sung;

Where pray’r comes first in peace or in disaster;

And praise is natural speech to evr’y tongue;

Where mountains move before a faith that’s vaster;

And christ sufficient is for old and young.

O lord, our god, our homes are thine forever!

We trust to thee their problems, toil, and care;

Their bonds of love no enemy can sever

If thou art always lord and master there:

Be thou the centre of our least endeavour –

Be thou our guest, our hearts and homes to share.