John Burton (1803-1877) English children's hymnwriter, I OFTEN SAY MY PRAYERS

1 I often say my prayers; But do I ever pray? And do the wishes of my heart Go with the words I say?

2 I may as well kneel down, And worship gods of stone, As offer to the living God, A prayer of words alone.

3 For words without the heart, The Lord will never hear; Nor will He to those lips attend, Whose prayers are not sincere.

4 Lord, show me what I need, And teach me how to pray; Nor let me ask Thee for Thy grace, Not feeling what I say.