612. Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire

Author: James Montgomery 1771-1854

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
expressed in thought or word;
the burning of a hidden fire,
a longing for the Lord.

2. Prayer is the simplest sound we teach
when children learn God’s name;
and yet it is the noblest speech
that human lips can frame.

3. Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
returning from his ways,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, ‘Behold, he prays!’

4. Prayer is the secret battleground
where victories are won;
by prayer the will of God is found
and work for him begun.

5. Prayer is the Christian’s vital breath,
the Christian’s native air,
our watchword at the gates of death;
we enter heaven with prayer.

6. Jesus, by whom we come to God-
the Life, the Truth, the Way-
the humble path of prayer you trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray.