PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed; The motion of a...

PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire, Uttered or unexpressed; 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 watchword 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 sinners 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.