The Soul's Sincere Desire
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
unuttered or expressed;
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 contrite sinner's voice,
returning from his ways,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, he prays!"
The saints in prayer appear as one
in word, in deed, and mind,
while with the Father and the Son
sweet fellowship they find.
No prayer is made by man alone
the Holy Spirit pleads,
and Jesus, on th'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!
