There is a vast difference between saying prayers and praying

There is a vast difference between saying prayers and praying

Just my vengeance complete,
The man sprang to his feet,
Stood erect, caught at God's skirts, and read more

Just my vengeance complete,
The man sprang to his feet,
Stood erect, caught at God's skirts, and prayed!
So, I was afraid!

Father! no prophet's laws I seek,--
Thy laws in Nature's works appear;--
I own myself corrupt and read more

Father! no prophet's laws I seek,--
Thy laws in Nature's works appear;--
I own myself corrupt and weak,
Yet will I pray, for thou wilt hear.

God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,
And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face,
read more

God answers sharp and sudden on some prayers,
And thrusts the thing we have prayed for in our face,
A gauntlet with a gift in 't.

He prayeth best who loveth best
All things, both great and small.

He prayeth best who loveth best
All things, both great and small.

Yet then from all my grief, O Lord,
Thy mercy set me free,
Whilst in the confidence read more

Yet then from all my grief, O Lord,
Thy mercy set me free,
Whilst in the confidence of pray'r
My soul took hold on thee.
- Joseph Addison,

And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

But maybe prayer is a road to rise,
A mountain path leading toward the skies
To assist read more

But maybe prayer is a road to rise,
A mountain path leading toward the skies
To assist the spirit who truly tries.
But it isn't a shibboleth, creed, nor code,
It isn't a pack-horse to carry your load,
It isn't a wagon, it's only a road.
And perhaps the reward of the spirit who tries
Is not the goal, but the exercise!

Doubt not but God who sits on high,
Thy secret prayers can hear;
When a dead wall read more

Doubt not but God who sits on high,
Thy secret prayers can hear;
When a dead wall thus cunningly
Conveys soft whispers to the ear.