Sabbath Devotional :: Prayer

As I was tucking my youngest into bed the last week, she quietly asked me if I believe in prayer. Something so tender and gentle about her question has stayed in my heart. I have been thinking about prayer in my own life. At times, admittedly, my prayers have been perfunctory. But I have also experienced prayer as a source of power and miracles. There have been times of prayerful heartache and distress. And other times of rejoicing in gratitude.

I now believe that prayer is a means to develop a relationship with my Father in Heaven. I have felt His love and personal concern for me. And I am learning what it means to partner with God in creating my life’s path. I do believe in prayer. The gift it is to believe in prayer is something I cannot give to my daughter, but I hope and sincerely pray that she can develop her own belief through experience.

I love the lyrics to the hymn “Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire” written by James Montgomery. When I began writing this devotional, I thought I would share personal experiences that are reflected in the words of this hymn. But I have decided that I cannot add to the simple beauty of the way this poet describes many facets of prayer.

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!”

The Saints in prayer appear as one
In word and deed and mind,
While with the Father and the Son
Their fellowship they find.

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.