1 United prayers ascend to Thee,
Eternal parent of mankind;
Smile on this waiting family,
Thy face they seek, and let them find.

2 The father of the household bless,
The priest, the patriarch, let him move,
That all his family may trace
In him Thy law, in lines of love.

3 Regard the mother’s anxious tears,
Her heart’s desire, her earnest prayers,
And while her infant charge she rears,
Crown with success her pious cares.

4 Let the dear pledges of their love,
Like tender plants around them grow,
Thy present grace, and joys above,
Upon their little ones bestow.

5 Receive at their believing hand,
The babe whom they devote as Thine,
Obedient to their Lord’s command—
And seal with power the rite divine.

6 To every member of their house,
Thy grace impart, Thy love extend;
Grant every good that time allows,
With heavenly joys that never end.