An Ode to Prayer Many things are lacking in the church today, but probably the greatest of these needs is diligent, fervent prayer. (descending verse) Prayer is the essence of the Christian life; It is the Christians’ joy, to the glory of God; It transcends all boundaries, It defeats all problems; It strengthens the weak, And feeds the hungry. Prayer obtains the unreachable; It lightens all burdens; Comforts the broken heart, And changes lives; And, most of all, it pleases God. (“Men ought always to pray”) Prayer brings us before a Holy God; It bends His ear to our needs; Prayer taps the endless resources of Heaven, And obtains a power unfathomable to man; It is an amazing thing, Allowable by an even more amazing God; Prayer opens the heart of God, And through it is poured out great blessings; Prayer reaches out to a Living God, And returns with arms full of love. Prayer calms the storm, As it soothes the troubled soul; It brings joy to the woeful heart; Prayer—is it for God or for us? Often our prayer is complaining; What does this do for our God? Yet it moves Him to action on our behalf; It stirs His loving heart; And we receive His abundant grace. It recognizes His greatness, “Men ought always to pray, and to not faint.” Prayer works; It works for us And pleases our Lord at the same time. The prayer of faith moves mountains; It redeems lost souls; It is a blessing to all. “Men ought always to pray, and faint not” “Pray without ceasing” For the seasoned veteran, It is His hope. Prayer makes a difference to all involved; It works wonders, and obtains much; It is just right to do. It is commanded of us, And expected of us. Pray, pray, pray.