Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
uttered or unexpressed;
The motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
the falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,
when none but God is near.
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try,
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.
Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
returning from His ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, “Behold, he prays!”
Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
the Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
he enters heav’n with prayer.
Nor prayer is made on earth alone,
the Holy Spirit pleads;
And Jesus at the Father’s throne
for sinners intercedes.
The saints in prayer appear as one,
in word and deed and mind;
while with the Father and the Son
sweet fellowship they find.
Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
the Holy Spirit pleads,
and Jesus on the eternal throne,
for sinners intercedes.
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!
James Montgomery (1771-1854)
