Children of the Heavenly Father | Hymn for Viola in Four Parts

Swedish folk song with words by Lina Sandel, 1832-1903
(Lyrics shown below)

Jennifer O'Bannan, Violist

Children of the Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e'er was given

God His own doth tend and nourish
In His holy courts they flourish
From all evil things He spares them
In His mighty arms He bears them

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever
Unto them His grace He showeth
And their sorrows all He knoweth

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers
Your Protector never slumbers
At the will of your Defender
Ev'ry foe man must surrender.

Though He giveth or He taketh
God His children ne'er forsaketh
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy