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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 492 · Words: James Montgomery · Tune: CAMPMEETING
Prayer Is the Soul's Sincere Desire
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A classic 1818 hymn by James Montgomery that defines and celebrates prayer in all its forms — from a sigh or tear to the highest praise. Each stanza offers a poetic description of what prayer is and means to the believer.
Verse 1
Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,
uttered or expressed,
the motion of a hidden fire
that trembles in the breast.
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.
Verse 3
Prayer is the simplest form of speech
that infant lips can try;
prayer the sublimest strains that reach
the Majesty on high.
Verse 4
Prayer is the contrite sinners' voice,
returning from their way,
while angels in their songs rejoice
and cry, "Behold, they pray!"
Verse 5
Prayer is the Christians' vital breath,
the Christians' native air;
their watchword at the gates of death;
they enter heaven with prayer.
Verse 6
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!
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