Lord, teach us how to pray!

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, 
Unuttered or expressed; 
The motion of a hidden fire 
That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burden of a sigh, 
The falling of a tear, 
The upward glancing of an eye, 
When none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech 
That infant lips can try; 
Prayer the sublimest strains that reach 
The Majesty on high.

Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, 
Returning from his ways; 
While angels in their songs rejoice 
And cry, "Behold, he prays!"

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

0 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!

AMEN. 

[Christianity Infocenter Home]