1. Jesus, friend of little children,
be a friend to me;
take my hand and ever keep me
close to thee.

2. Teach me how to grow in goodness
daily as I grow;
thou hast been a child, and surely
thou dost know.

3. Step by step, O lead me onward,
upward into youth;
wiser, stronger, still becoming
in thy truth.

4. Never leave me nor forsake me,
ever be my friend,
for I need thee from life’s dawning
to its end.