On Prayer

We sang the hymn Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire in church today. It brought some good memories to mind; in particular, I remembered the spirit I felt as I directed the choir in singing this song a few years ago. The words are poignant and beautiful:

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

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

Nor prayer is made on earth alone:
The Holy Spirit pleads,
And Jesus at the Father's throne
For sinners intercedes.

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.

It reminds me of the sacred relationship between man and his Maker. We can turn to Him and talk with Him in all things and about all things: our desires and longings, the little happenings of our day, the things we wish we had (or hadn't) said, our fears and hopes and dreams. We can ask for His help, and He will give it. We can thank Him for all we have and are. He can ease our pain, fill our hearts with joy, and bring healing and peace in place of deep wounds. I am glad for the blessing of prayer.