Hymns (1948), no. 380
Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire

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 Christian’s vital breath, The Christian’s native air, His watchword at the gates of death; He enters heav’n with prayer.