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 sinners' voice,
returning from their way;
while angels in their songs rejoice,
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
5 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death:
they enter 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!
