Scripture Verse

He ever liveth to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

Introduction

Words: Ben­ja­min Bed­dome (1717–1795). Pub­lished post­hu­mous­ly in Hymns Adapt­ed to Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: Bu­rton & Briggs, 1818), num­ber 405. Importance of Prayer.

Music: Ho­ly Cross James C. Wade, 1865 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Wade (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

Lyrics

Prayer is the breath of God in man,
Returning whence it came;
Love is the sacred fire within,
And prayer the rising flame.

The Christian’s life with it concludes,
And with it doth begin;
’Tis this invigorates the soul,
And is the death of sin.

It gives the burdened spirit ease,
And soothes the troubled breast;
Yields comfort to the mourners here,
And to the weary rest.

When God inclines the heart to pray,
He hath an ear to hear;
To Him there’s music in a groan,
And beauty in a tear.

The humble suppliant cannot fail
To have his wants supplied;
Since He for sinners intercedes,
Who once for sinners died.