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 Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air,
His watchword a the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer.
4 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice,
returning from his ways, ,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, ""Behold, he prays!""
5.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!
