You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

Turn backward through pathways of memory

Representative Text

1 Turn backward thro’ pathways of memory,
And kneel as a child at your mother’s knee,
She talks to her Saviour, for you her plea,
Answer your mother’s prayers.

Refrain:
Answer your mother’s prayers,
Answer your mother’s prayers;
Come to her Saviour, O come to Him now,
And answer your mother’s prayers.

2 Recall the caress of her gentle hand,
Her voice as it lulled you to slumber-land;
Her heart will rejoice if for Christ you stand,
Answer your mother’s prayers.

3 Thro’ long years of toil she was ever true,
She felt ev’ry sorrow that came to you;
And she will be faithful, whate’er you do,
Answer your mother’s prayers. [Refrain]

4 The call of your country may come today,
Your mother will anxiously watch and pray;
You’ll leave her heart broken if you delay,
Answer your mother’s prayers. [Refrain]

5 And some day her trials will all be o’er,
Your mother will rest on a brighter shore;
Then you will regret it forevermore,
Mother’s unanswered prayers. [Refrain]

Source: Alexander's Hymns No. 4 #70

Author: Mary Bernstecher

(no biographical information available about Mary Bernstecher.) Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Turn backward through pathways of memory
Author: Mary Bernstecher
Language: English
Refrain First Line: Answer your mother's prayers
Copyright: Public Domain

Instances in all hymnals

Instances (1 - 1 of 1)
TextAudioPage Scan

Alexander's Hymns No. 4 #70

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.