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Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,

by James Montgomery

Representative text

As printed in The Church Hymnal (1941), no. 319 — the newest hymnal carrying it.

Verse 1

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, Unuttered or expressed; The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breast. He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.

Verse 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. He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.

Verse 3

Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach The Majesty on high. He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God who loveth us, He made and loveth all.

Verse 4

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