THE SECRET OF PRAYER

This is the secret of all prayers

That in God's sight have worth,

They must be uttered from the stairs

That wind away from earth;

And he who mounts to speak the word,

He shall be heard. He shall be heard.

And he who will not leave himself,

But stays down with his cares,

Or with his thoughts of pride and pelf,

Though loud and long his prayers,

Beyond earth's dome of arching skies

They shall not rise. They shall not rise.

Oh, ye who seek for strength and power

Seek first some quiet spot,

And fashion through a silent hour

Your stairway, thought by thought;

Then climb, and pray to God on high:

He shall reply. He shall reply.