The Prayer of the Children

While it clearly works as a universal lament for the slaughter of innocence, the song was actually written about Bosnia, and the brief excursion away from English is entry into one of the languages of that conflicted land.

And another version, which is closer to the way we sang it...



It is very hard not to weep openly even while singing...

Words and Music by Kurt Bestor

Lyrics

Can you hear the prayer of the children
on bended knee, in the shadow of an unknown room?
Empty eyes with no more tears to cry
turning heavenward toward the light.

Crying," Jesus, help me
to see the morning light of one more day,
but if I should die before I wake,
I pray my soul to take."

Can you feel the hearts of the children
aching for home, for something of their very own.
Reaching hands with nothing to hold onto
but hope for a better day, a better day.

Crying," Jesus, help me
to feel the love again in my own land,
but if unknown roads lead away from home,
give me loving arms, away from harm."

(oooooo la la la la etc etc.) (bridge)

Can you hear the voice of the children
softly pleading for silence in their shattered world?
Angry guns preach a gospel full of hate,
blood of the innocent on their hands.

Crying," Jesus, help me
to feel the sun again upon my face?
For when darkness clears, I know you're near,
bringing peace again."

Dali čujete sve dječje molitve? (coda)
Can you hear the prayer of the children?