American Lutheran Hymnal ‎#62

62. Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire

1 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
hat 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 Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air,
His watchword at the gate of death--
He enters heav'n with prayer.

5 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice
Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And say, Behold, he prays.

6 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. Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
• Title: Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
• Author: James Montgomery (1818)
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1930
• Topic: The Means of Grace: The Lord's Prayer

Tune Information

• Name: BYEFIELD
• Composer: Thomas Hastings (1840)
• Meter: C. M.
• Key: F Major