Sweet is the prayer whose holy stream

In earnest pleading flows;

Devotion dwells upon the theme,

And warm and warmer glows.

2 Faith grasps the blessing she desires,

Hope points the upward gaze;

And love, untrembling love inspires

The eloquence of praise.

3 But sweeter far the still, small voice,

Heard by the human ear,

When God hath made the heart rejoice,

And dried the bitter tear.

4 Nor accents flow, nor words ascend;

All utterance faileth there;

But listening spirits comprehend,

And God accepts the prayer.