The New Century Hymnal ‎#508

508. 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 so nigh.

3 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,
turning from thoughtless ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, one prays!"

4 No prayers do humans make alone;
the Holy Spirit pleads,
And Jesus on the eternal throne
for sinners intercedes.

5 O Christ, by whom we come to God,
the Life, the Truth, the Way,
The path of prayer your too have trod:
Christ, teach us how to pray.

Text Information

• First Line: Prayer is the souls' sincere desire
• Title: Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
• Author: James Montgomery (1818, alt)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Luke 11:1
  ;
  Romans 8:26-28
• Topic: Church: Nature and Unity; Prayer; Year A: Proper 12; Year C: Proper 12

Tune Information

• Name: ST. AGNES
• Composer: John B. Dykes (1866)
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: G Major