Oratories

Private Prayer in Churches

IN a church's aisle or towers,
Vestry, porch, or chancel-side,
If--in prayerless days like ours
Any open door is spied;
Say not that the Sacristan
Happens there to ply his broom;
Say--some viewless friend of man
Beckons thee, and says there's room.

'Tis the house of prayer--Go in!
'Tis the Christian's home by right!
Find some nook, confess thy sin,
And go forth in JESU'S might.

II.

Halt not for some foolish doubt!
Is it not thy Father's home?
Who will dare to turn thee out,
When the Master bids thee come?
Is it open? Worship GOD!
If another lounges round,
Talking, staring, laughing broad,
Let him learn--'tis hallowed ground.

'Tis the house of prayer--Go in!
'Tis the Christian's home by right!
Find some nook, confess thy sin,
And go forth in JESU'S might.

III.

Like the publican of old,
Hide the face, and smite the breast,
Say his words, and--manifold
Be thy secret sins confessed!
For the people there that pray,
For the priest, whose vows are there,
Brother-like a collect say,
Pray some dear familiar prayer.

'Tis the house of prayer--Go in!
'Tis the Christian's home by right!
Find some nook, confess thy sin,
And go forth in JESU'S might.

IV.

Oh 'tis sweet a home to claim
Thus, where'er a church we see,
Stealing in, though not with shame,
Yet to worship, noiselessly;
Like the birds to nestle there
Where the Psalmist's cedars grow;
And to leave a fragrant prayer
Wafting heavenward as we go.

'Tis the house of prayer--Go in!
'Tis the Christian's home by right!
Find some nook--confess thy sin,
And go forth in JESU'S might.

Project Canterbury