1 Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
Unuttered or unexpressed;
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 sinner's voice
Returning from his ways;
While angels in their songs rejoice
And cry, "Behold, he prays!"

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.

5 O Thou, by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way,
The paths of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray!