Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,

Utter'd, or unexpress'd;

The motion of a hidden fire

That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh,

The falling of a tear;

The upward glancing of an eye,

When none but GOD is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech

That infant lips can try;

Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach

The Majesty on high.

Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice

Returning from his ways;

While Angels in their songs rejoice,

And cry, Behold, he prays!

Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,

The Christian's native air;

His watch-word at the gates of death;

He enters Heaven with prayer.

The saints, in prayer, appear as one

In word, and deed, and mind;

While with the Father and the Son

Sweet fellowship they find.

Nor prayer is made on earth, alone:

The Holy SPIRIT pleads;

And JESUS, on the eternal Throne,

For mourners intercedes.

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!