Ancient and Modern ‎#767

767. Prayer is the soul's sincere desire

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 simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try,
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.

3 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
the Christian's native air,
his watchword at the gates of death:
he enters heaven with prayer.

4 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,
returning from his ways;
while angels in their songs rejoice,
and cry, 'Behold, he prays!

5 The saints in prayer appear as one,
in word and deed and mind;
while with the Father and the Son
sweet fellowship they find.

6 Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
the Holy Spirit pleads,
and Jesus on the eternal throne
for sinners intercedes.

7 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

• First Line: Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
• Author: James Montgomery (1771-1854)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Matthew 6:5-13
  ;
  John 14:6
  ;
  James 5:13-20
• Topic: Prayer & Intercession; Jesus: Names and images for; Prayer

Tune Information

• Name: BEATITUDO
• Composer: John Bacchus Dykes (1823-1876)
• Meter: CM
• Key: G Major