1 Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
Uttered 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 Christian’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death--
He enters heaven with prayer.

5 Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice
And cry, "Behold, he prays."

6 In prayer, on earth, the saints are one;
They're one in word and mind,
When with the Father and Son
Sweet fellowship they find.

7 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.