Lyrics

1. 1. Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
   Uttered or unexpressed,
   The motion of a hidden fire
   That trembles in the breast.
2. 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. 3. Prayer is the simplest form of speech
   That infant lips can try;
   Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach
   The Majesty on high.
4. 4. Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
   The Christian’s native air,
   His watchword at the gates of death;
   He enters heav’n with prayer.
5. 5. Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
   Returning from his ways,
   While angels in their songs rejoice
   And cry, “Behold, he prays!”
6. 6. The Saints in prayer appear as one
   In word and deed and mind,
   While with the Father and the Son
   Their fellowship they find.
7. 7. Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
   The Holy Spirit pleads,
   And Jesus at the Father’s throne
   For sinners intercedes.
8. 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.
9. Text: James Montgomery, 1771–1854
   Music: George Careless, 1839–1932