We Pray Wednesday: Prayer Poem

The Soul's Sincere Desire

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 contrite sinner's voice,

returning from his ways,

while angels in their songs rejoice

and cry, "Behold, he prays!"

The saints in prayer appear as one

in word, in deed, and mind,

while with the Father and the Son

sweet fellowship they find.

No prayer is made by man alone

the Holy Spirit pleads,

and Jesus, on th'eternal 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!