Sweet is the prayer whose holy stream
In earnest pleading flows:
Devotion dwells upon the theme,
And warm and warmer grows

Faith grasps the blessing she desires,
Hope points the upward gaze;
And Love, celestial Love, inspires
The eloquence of praise.

But sweeter far the still small voice
Unheard by human ear,
When God has made the heart rejoice,
And dried the bitter tear.

No accents flow, no words as­cend;
All utterance faileth there;
But God Himself doth comprehend
And answer silent prayer.