26th October 2022

At our Church Meeting 16th Oct we explored the topic of prayer and what part it plays in the life of Tyndale Baptist Church and how we might become the foundation of our life and mission. Several people spoke to me afterwards to express how difficult they sometimes find prayer. One person told me of their innermost thoughts and desired but found it difficult to express them in a coherent prayer. As they spoke, I was reminded of the first two lines of an old hymn which I shared. Perhaps the hymn may be of help to you also.

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,
their watchword at the gates of death:
they enter heaven with prayer.

Prayer is the contrite sinner’s voice,
returning from their ways;
while angels in their songs rejoice,
and cry, ‘Behold, he prays!’

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.

(James Montgomery, 1771–1854)

Sam King