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 sinners’ voice,

returning from their way,

while angels in their songs rejoice

and cry, “Behold, they pray!”

Prayer is the believers’ vital breath,

the faithfuls’ native air;

their watchword

at the gates of death;

they enter heaven in prayer.

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!

James Montgomery