Poems (Howard)/The Week of Prayer
The Week of Prayer.
"A season of refreshing from The presence of the Lord" Ensues when saints together come, And join in sweet accord To praise the "Giver of all good"; And, for His constant care, To render heartfelt gratitude— As in the "Week of Prayer."
Impelled by one uplifting thought Came forth "the praying band"From palace hall, or lowly cot, All over this broad land; And who can doubt that from above, In heavenly realms of air, The angels looked, in wond'ring love, And blessed the "Week of Prayer"?
By fireside, in busy mart, As by concerted plan, A common impulse stirred the heart Of universal man To consecrate the dawning year, In promise bright and fair, To Him who have the thought sincere Of that first "Week of Prayer."
'T were meet, indeed, to choose one week From fifty-two or more, For His benignity to seek, And clemency implore; But every week throughout the year The same sweet name should bear That every Christian must revere— The precious "Week of Prayer."
The golden years are passing by! May we in prayerful mood Abide, until the end draws nigh, For "God is ever good," And richest blessings shall come down If we our hearts prepare, And His approval fitly crown Each hallowed "Week of Prayer."