Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,

Unuttered or expressed;

The motion of a hidden fire

That trembles in the breast.

2 Prayer is the burden of a sigh,

The falling of a tear;

The upward glancing of an eye

When none but God is near.

3 Prayer is the simplest form of speech

That infant lips can try;

Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach

The Majesty on high.

4 Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,

Returning from his ways,

While angels in their songs rejoice,

And say—“Behold he prays.”

5 Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,

The Christian’s native air,

His watchword at the gate of death;

He enters heaven with prayer.