Author: James Montgomery Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 851 hymnals Lyrics: 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 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 contrite sinner's voice,
returning from his way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, he prays!"
5 Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air,
his watchword at the gates of death;
he enters heaven with prayer.
6 The saints in prayer appear as one
in word, and deed, and mind,
while with the Father and the Son
sweet fellowship they find.
7 No prayer is made by us alone,
the Holy Spirit pleads,
and Jesus, on the eternal throne,
for sinners intercedes.
8 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. Topics: Prayer; Christ--Intercessor; Humility; Prayer; Service music--Responses Scripture: Psalm 6:9 Used With Tune: DUNFERMLINE
Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire