The United Methodist Hymnal

492

Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire

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 Christians' 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!

WORDS: James Montgomery, 1818
MUSIC: Robert G. McCutchan, 1935
Theme: Hope; Prayer; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Prayer, Trust, Hope; Service Music: Invitation to Prayer