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 simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high. 3 Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice, Returning from their way, While angels in their songs rejoice And cry, "Behold, they pray!" 4 Prayer is the Christians' vital breath, The Christians' native air; Their watchword at the gates of death; They enter heaven with prayer. 5 O Christ, by whom we come to God, The Life, the Truth, the Way, The path of prayer You also trod; Lord, teach us how to pray!