A little girl scarce twelve years old
Had heard her teacher say
That everyone who loves the Lord
To Him will often pray.
She knew her parents careless lived,
God’s favors never sought;
And much desired that they should mind
Their duty as they ought.
Deeply concerned, one Lord’s day eve,
She to her father said,
“Shall we unite to sing a hymn
Ere we retire to bed?”
At once he granted her request;
But when the hymn was sung,
“Father may I a chapter read?”
She asked with artless tongue.
To this he also gave consent;
Then she distinctly read
The chapter through which tells how Christ
Died in the sinner’s stead.
And then with faltering voice she asked
“Now, father may I pray?”
“O, no,” he said in angry tone,
“You do not know the way.”
“Father I’ll try, if you will permit,”
The little girl replied;
Then he consented, and knelt down
Close by his daughter’s side.
In earnest words, the dear child prayed,
And humbly asked the Lord
To change her parents’ sinful hearts—
That fervent prayer was heard.
In wisdom’s ways they still have walked,
And often blessed the day
When their dear child so sweetly asked,
“Now, father may I pray?”
ML 05/14/1916