Lyrics
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, sweet hour, sweet hour of prayer
Sweet hour, sweet hour of prayer, 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, amazing 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
Scriptural Reference:
"Pray continually." 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Sweet Hour of Prayer describes prayer as a regular refuge from anxiety, grief, temptation, and ordinary care. Each verse returns to the appointed hour as a welcome summons into the Father’s presence. There, needs can be spoken honestly, troubled spirits can wait, and confidence can rest in God’s truth and faithfulness. The hymn treats prayer not as escape from responsibility, but as dependence on the God who hears petitions and gives relief.
Its closing scriptural citation directly points to 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and the call to pray continually. The movement from anxious care to petition also reflects Philippians 4:6-7, where prayer and thanksgiving accompany God’s guarding peace. The promise to cast every care on God closely echoes 1 Peter 5:7. Across the verses, repeated waiting is joined with trust: the praying soul seeks God’s face, believes his word, relies on grace, and returns with expectation.
Related Scripture
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 The lyric directly cites the command to pray continually.
- Philippians 4:6-7 Anxiety is answered with prayer, petition, and the peace of God.
- 1 Peter 5:7 Believers are told to cast every anxiety on God because he cares for them.