1 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
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 cry, "Behold, he prays!"
5 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air;
His watchword at the gates of death--
He enters heaven with prayer.
6 The saints in prayer appear as one
In word, and deed, and mind,
While with the Father and the Son
Sweet fellowship they find.
7 Nor prayer is made by man alone,--
The Holy Spirit pleads,
And Jesus on th'eternal throne
For sinners intercedes.
8 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!
Text Information | |
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First Line: | Prayer is the soul's sincere desire |
Meter: | C. M. |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 1918 |
Topic: | Catechism |