In many a little village, in many a city great, The rich men, and the noble, and men of poor estate, Are entering this morning the Father's house of prayer â And wheresoe'er they seek Him, we know that He is there.
2. And we, His little children, are gathered here to-day ; Our schoolroom is the temple in which we meet to pray : [of God â It is the gate of heaven, it is the house For He Himself is present, according to His word.
3. Lord, make us really sorry as we our sins confess, And may we feel Thee near us, to pardon and to bless : O purify, dear Saviour, our naughty hearts to-day, That gladly we may praise Thee, and humbly we may pray !
4. And when Thy servant speaketh the word that Thou hast given, May we receive it gladly â a message sent from heaven: And as we humbly listen, do Thou to each heart speak A word to bring us gladness throughout the coming week.
5. Here may we learn to please Thee in work-time and at play â To seek Thee and to serve Thee, to love Thy holy day: Thus bless our children's service, and fill us with Thy grace, And make each heart Thy temple, Thy earthly dwelling-place.