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!