James Montgomery penned these words in 1818
About the different aspects of prayer unseen
I really like the words and the tune
They make me want to pray real soon
"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 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!"
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"
Thanks for posting James Montgomery's insightful hymn about prayer. (Today is the 239th anniversary of his birth.) If you enjoy reading about our hymns (all poetry!) and their authors, I invite you to check out my daily blog on the subject, Wordwise Hymns.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you’ll excuse a brief “commercial:” If you do not have a good book on the subject of our Christmas carols, I encourage you to take a look at my own, Discovering the Songs of Christmas. In it, I discuss the history and meaning of 63 carols and Christmas hymns. The book is available through Amazon, or directly from Jebaire Publishing. (Might make a great gift too!)