Sweet Hour of Prayer- SATB

This song is meant to be played very slowly, and calmly. The last verse especially with a very free tempo. As I arranged this song, I was struck by the beautiful phrase that God wants us to seek his face, and trust in Him. When we performed this song, we slowed those parts down, and when we sang about casting our cares to the Lord, I tried to arrange it so that musically it was actually as if those cares were being cast off. I loved the feeling of peace that came into my heart whenever we would sing or practice this song.

May it bring you and those you sing this song to or with, peace as well!

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!
And oft escaped the tempter's snare
By thy return 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 ev'ry care
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
I'll cast on him my ev'ry care!
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!
Sweet hour of prayer!

Text: Attr. to William W. Walford, 1772-1850, alt.
Music: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868, alt.
Arrangement by Lindy Kerby, © 2012