Utter'd, or unexpress'd; 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 simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high. Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice Returning from his ways; While Angels in their songs rejoice, And cry, Behold, he prays! Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, The Christian's native air; His watch-word at the gates of death; He enters Heaven with prayer. The saints, in prayer, appear as one In word, and deed, and mind; While with the Father and the Son Sweet fellowship they find. Nor prayer is made on earth, alone: The Holy SPIRIT pleads; And JESUS, on the eternal Throne, For mourners 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! |