Moravian Book of Worship ‎#749

749. 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 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.

Text Information

• First Line: Prayer is the soul's sincere desire
• Title: Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
• Author: James Montgomery (1819, alt.)
• Meter: C.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Psalm 6:9
  ;
  Matthew 6:5-8
  ;
  Luke 11:1-4
  ;
  John 14:6
  ;
  Romans 8
  ;
  Ephesians 6:18
  ;
  1 John 5:14-15
• Topic: Prayer; Christ--Intercessor; Humility; Service music--Responses

Tune Information

• Name: DUNFERMLINE
• Meter: C.M.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Scottish Psalter (1615)
• Notes: Alternate tune, BEDFORD (14 C in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns), page 87