Devotion

Sweet Hour of Prayer
Ephesians 6:18 (NLT) Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Are you familiar with the song Sweet Hour of Prayer? It is a beautifully worded hymn that ministers to the souls of believers. The lyrics were first published on today’s date in 1845 by William Walford, a blind Englishman who lavished in the Word of God and experienced great joy in praying. Prayer is powerful, and prayer changes things But prayer is also…sweet…there in that special place of spiritual existence where we are in the Presence of God, and everything else that doesn’t matter simply falls away. Prayer is our sweet steal away home where Love cups us in His care, and sets our spirit free from the weights of the world! In that sweet hour of prayer there is no rush; no time limit; no rules and regulations. There is gentle grace, compassion, love, healing…joy in our Heavenly Father. Prayer…it changes us and lifts us to the origin of ourselves …spiritual beings ever so loved by Almighty God. Prayer is our intimate access to Heaven’s King!  Lay your burdens down and escape to the arms of your Creator. Give in to that sweet hour of prayer.

Sweet Hour of Prayer
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!
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!

The joys I feel, the bliss I share,

Of those whose anxious spirits burn

With strong desires for thy return!

With such I hasten to the place

Where God my Savior shows His face,

And gladly take my station there,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
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 me seek His face,

Believe His Word and trust His grace,

I’ll cast on Him my every care,

And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
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 through the air,

“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”