HYMN #0308 SSS #308 • SS&S Meter: S.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #308: Oh, welcome, hour of prayer!

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

Oh, welcome, hour of prayer!
So full of peace and rest!
Here we may cast our every care
Upon the Saviour’s breast;
We leave the world without,
To sit at Jesus’ feet;
His love can banish every doubt,
And make our joys complete.

We see each other’s face,
And take each other’s hand;
We sing our hymns of saving grace,
And of the Better Land;
And while we feast with Him
Who is the Truth, the Light,
May we again our lamps retrim,
To shine forth in the night.

Thrice welcome, precious hour,
Of faith, and hope, and love,
When we may feel the Spirit’s power
Descending from above!
He dries the falling tears
That will, unbidden, start;
He scatters all our anxious fears,
And fills each waiting heart.

O Thou that hearest prayer!
How sad this life would be—
How hard each heavy cross to bear,
Could we not come to Thee!
When faith seems lost in fear,
And hopes are dimmed by care,
In Thee we find refreshing cheer,
Thou blessed hour of prayer!

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Oh, welcome, hour of prayer!"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #308 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: S.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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