Children's Rule of Life

Gal. vi. 16: “And whosoever shall follow this rule, peace on them and mercy.”

CATHOLIC MELODY.

1 In the morning when I waken,
With the cross I sign myself,
And say, “Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
I give you my heart and life.”
Then when drest I kneel devoutly,
And I say my morning prayers;
With the cross I ask a blessing,
Both before and after meals.

2 When ’tis evening, kneeling humbly,
My night prayers I say to God;
Then my conscience I examine,
And ask pardon for my sins.
When in bed I think of Jesus,
And my arms fold like a cross,
And say, “Jesus, Mary, Joseph,
I give you my heart and life.”

3 With this prayer each work I offer,
“Jesus, I do all for Thee.”
“Jesus, Mary, help me,” saying,
From temptation quick I go.
From occasions which are sinful,
And bad company I fly;
O my God, I promise never
To commit a mortal sin.

4 Should I ever thus offend Thee,
I will ask without delay
Thy forgiveness—God of mercy!
And quick to confession go.
Once, at least, each month confession
And a good communion;
At confession may I never
Mortal sin through fear conceal.

5 Holy Mass I hear devoutly
On the Sundays—Holydays,
And on Sundays my delight is
Catechism—Sunday School.
For God’s sake I love my neighbor,
And forgive my enemies;
My parents and superiors
I obey, respect, and love.

6 Every day if I am able,
Gladly I hear holy mass,
And I visit my sweet Jesus
In the Blessed Sacrament.
Then before some holy picture
Of my Mother Mary, pray;
For her sake I say at least one
Portion of the Rosary.

7 Morning, noon, night—three times daily
I recite the “Angelus,”
Then I make a meditation,
And I read some holy book.
So I will with God’s assistance
Keep each day the Rule of Life.
Thus I will get ready daily
Once to die a happy death.