Great Hymns of the Faith: Sweet Hour of Prayer
By John Michael Luther, Contributing Writer
Sweet Hour Of Prayer: by William Walford (1772-1850)
William Walford was an obscure, blind lay preacher who lived in Coleshill, Warwickshire England. He owned a small shop where sitting next to a chimney corner he carved shoehorns and other useful articles for sale. In this tiny place, he communed with his Lord in prayer as he put together thoughts for an upcoming sermon. Here in the mid-nineteenth century, he was called to preach in rural English churches. He had no formal education but possessed an amazing memory. In his small home, he would memorize great portions of Scripture, which he would quote verbatim in his sermons. This included chapter and verse. Some of his friends believed that he had actually memorized the entire Bible. William composed marvelous poetic verses and was a constant prayer warrior.
One day in 1842, an American clergyman, Tom Salmon, visited Walford’s shop, where he became acquainted with William. They talked about the topic of prayer. The old man related to Tom about his joy in the seasons of prayer with his Lord. Here is the quote from Salmon: “He repeated two or three pieces which he had composed, and having no friend at home to commit them to paper, he had laid them up in the storehouse within. ‘How will this do?’ asked he, as he repeated the following lines with a complacent smile, touched with some light lines of fear lest he subject himself to criticism. I rapidly copied the lines with my pencil as he uttered them and sent them for insertion in the Observer, (with the caveat) ‘if you should think them worthy of preservation.’”
Walford seemed uncertain of his pieces’ value. They were, however, published in the Observer on September 13, 1845. The tune of this hymn, as we know it, was written by William Bradbury and was published in 1861—11 years after Walford’s death.
William Walford and Thomas Salmon would have been forgotten had it not been for the Providence of God. How many marvelous blessings have been given to us by unknown saints of God who never received any recognition during their lifetime. They passed away never knowing that their verse or kindness would be used by God in glorious ways. We should never take for granted what God has placed in our heart to do. Nothing we do in Christ is ever insignificant in the economy of God. We have been given gifts that have eternal value.
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
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 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,
I’ll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share,
Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height,
I view my home and take my flight:
This robe of flesh I’ll drop and rise
To seize the everlasting prize;
And shout, while passing through the air,
“Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer!”
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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