4 There, there, on eagle’s wings we soar, And time, and sense seem all no more; And heaven comes down our souls to greet, And glory crowns the mercy-seat!

5 Oh! may my hand forget her skill, My tongue be silent, cold, and still, This bounding heart forget to beat, If I forget the mercy-seat!

     Hugh Stowell, 1827.

385 Retreat.  L.M.

Design of Prayer. (796)

Prayer is appointed to convey
  The blessings God designs to give: 
Long as they live should Christians pray;
  They learn to pray when first they live.

2 If pain afflict or wrongs oppress;
  If cares distract, or fears dismay;
If guilt deject; if sin distress;
  In every case, still watch and pray.

3 ’Tis prayer supports the soul that’s weak,
  Tho’ thought be broken, language lame,
Pray, if thou canst or canst not speak,
  But pray with faith in Jesus’ name.

4 Depend on him, thou canst not fail;
  Make all thy wants and wishes known;
Fear not, his merits must prevail,
  Ask but in faith, it shall be done.

     Joseph Hart. D. 1768

386 Retreat.  L.M.

Psalm 104:34. (794)

My God, is any hour so sweet
  From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to thy feet,
  The calm and holy hour of prayer?

2 Blest is the tranquil break of morn,
  And blest the hush of solemn eve,
When on the wings of prayer up-borne,
  This fair, but transient, world I leave.

3 Then is my strength by thee renewed;
  Then are my sins by thee forgiven;
Then dost thou cheer my solitude,
  With clear and beauteous hopes of heaven.

4 No words can tell what sweet relief,
  There for my every want I find;
What strength for warfare, balm for grief,
  What deep and cheerful peace of mind.

5 Lord, till I reach the blissful shore,
  No privilege so dear shall be,
As thus my inmost soul to pour
  In faithful, filial prayer to thee!

     Charlotte Elliott, 1854.

387 Sweet Hour of Prayer.  L.M.D.

Blessedness of Prayer. (790)

Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known: 
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief;
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless. 
And since he bids he seek his face,
Believe his word, and trust his grace,
I’ll cast on him my ev’ry care
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! 
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight: 
This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing thro’ the air,
Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!