Celebrating Grace Hymnal ‎#391

391. Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire

1 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
unuttered or expressed,
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 contrite sinners' voice,
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"

4 Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air,
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heaven with prayer.

5 O Christ, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way,
the path of prayer You also trod;
Lord, teach us how to pray!

Text Information

• First Line: Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
• Title: Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
• Author: James Montgomery (1818, alt.)
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Topic: The Church at Worship: Prayer; Prayer

Tune Information

• Name: CAMPMEETING
• Harmonizer: Robert G. McCutchan (1935)
• Meter: CM
• Key: F Major
• Source: USA campmeeting melody