Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire

Verse 1

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, uttered or unexpressed; the motion of a hidden fire that trembles in the breast.

Verse 2

Prayer is the simplest form of speech that infant lips can try, prayer the sublimest strains that reach the Majesty on high.

Verse 3

Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, the Christian's native air, his watchword at the gates of death: he enters heaven with prayer.

Verse 4

Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, returning from his ways; while angels in their songs rejoice, and cry, 'Behold, he prays!

Verse 5

The saints in prayer appear as one, in word and deed and mind; while with the Father and the Son sweet fellowship they find.

Verse 6

Nor prayer is made on earth alone: the Holy Spirit pleads, and Jesus on the eternal throne for sinners intercedes.

Verse 7

O Thou by whom we come to God, the Life, the Truth, the Way, the path of prayer thyself hast trod: Lord, teach us how to pray!