By A Collection of Hymns

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

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

      6 The saints in prayer appear as one,
      In word, and deed, and mind;
      While with the Father and the Son
      Sweet fellowship they find.

      7 Nor prayer is made on earth alone;
      The Holy Spirit pleads:
      And Jesus, on the eternal throne,
      For sinners intercedes.

      8 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.