When cold our hearts, and far from Thee
Our wandering spirits stray,
And thoughts and lips move heavily;
Lord, teach us how to pray.

Too vile to venture near Thy throne,
Too poor to turn away;
Our only voice—Thy Spirit’s groan—
Lord, teach us how to pray.

We know not how to seek Thy face
Unless Thou lead the way;
We have no words, unless Thy grace,
Lord, teach us how to pray.

Here every thought and fond desire
We on Thine altar lay;
And when our souls have caught Thy fire,
Lord, teach us how to pray.