Prayer, Nature of

Verse 1

Prayer is appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give:
Long as they live should Christians pray;
They learn to pray when first they live.

Verse 2

If pain afflict or wrongs oppress;
If cares distract, or fears dismay;
If guilt deject; if sin distress;
In every case, still watch and pray.

Verse 3

’Tis prayer supports the soul that’s weak,
Tho’ thought be broken, language lame,
Pray, if thou canst or canst not speak,
But pray with faith in Jesus’ name.

Verse 4

Depend on him, thou canst not fail;
Make all thy wants and wishes known;
Fear not, his merits must prevail,
Ask but in faith, it shall be done.

Verse 1

Prayer is the soul’s sincere desire,
Uttered or unexpressed;
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 Christian’s vital breath,
The Christian’s native air:
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer.

Verse 5

Oh, 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.