Hymn number 702

PRAYER is the soul’s sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed,
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.

2

Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
Returning from his ways,
While angels in their songs rejoice,
And cry, ‘Behold, he prays!’

3

Prayer is the burden of a sigh,
The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye
When none but God is near.

4

Prayer is the seeker’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters Heaven with prayer.

5

Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
The Holy Spirit pleads,
And Jesus, on the eternal throne,
For sinners intercedes.

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!