Verse 1

IT fell upon a summer day, When Jesus walked in Galilee, The mothers from a village brought Their children to his knee.

Verse 2

He took them in His arms, and laid His hands on each remembered head; Suffer these little ones to come To Me, He gently said.

Verse 3

Forbid them not; unless ye bear The childlike heart your hearts within, Unto My kingdom ye may come But may not enter in.

Verse 4

Master, I fain would enter there; O let me follow Thee, and share Thy meek and lowly heart, and be Freed from all worldly care.

Verse 5

Of innocence, and love, and trust, Of quiet work, and simple word, Of joy, and thoughtlessness of self, Build up my life, good Lord.

Verse 6

All happy thoughts, and gentle ways, And loving-kindness daily given, And freedom through obedience gained, Make in my heart Thy heaven.

Verse 7

O happy thus to live and move! And sweet this world, where I shall find God’s beauty everywhere, His love, His good in all mankind.

Verse 8

Then, Father, grant this childlike heart, That I may come to Christ, and feel His hands on me in blessing laid, Love-giving, strong to heal. Amen.

Background: It Fell Upon A Summer Day