The Church Hymnal ‎#460

460. Prayer is the soul's sincere desire

1 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Utter'd or unexpressed,
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 ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry, "Behold, he prays."

5 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer.

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.

Text Information

• First Line: Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
• Author: J. Montgomery
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1920
• Topic: General
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

• Name: ST. AGNES
• Composer: J. B. Dykes
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: G Major or modal
• Notes: Public Domain.