Sweet Hour of Prayer

Sweet Hour of Prayer

Text written c. 1842 by William W. Walford

Sung to SWEET HOUR, composed in 1859 by William B. Bradbury (1816-1868)

Acts 3:1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.

Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

V. 1 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 tempters snare,

By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.

Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

V. 2 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.

Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, ‘Destroy them!’

V. 3 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.

In my immortal flesh I'll rise

To seize the everlasting prize.

And shout while passing through the air,

"Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!"