Sweet Hour of Prayer

Although born blind, William Walford was determined to lead a productive life. He memorized large sections of the Bible and quoted the Word whenever called upon to preach. He also wrote poetry.

When he met Walford in England, New York native Thomas Salmon described how Walford shared a few phrases he had written. Walford didn’t think they were particularly memorable, but Salmon immediately recognized their value and copied the lines.

After returning to the US, Salmon submitted the words to the New York Observer. Eventually Walford’s words were published as a poem called “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” which became a hymn that’s still sung worldwide.

Walford described how that sweet hour “calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known.” His soul found relief in God’s presence. This helped him escape “the tempter’s snare.” In his time of prayer, “The joys I feel, the bliss I share, of those whose anxious spirits burn with strong desires for thy return!”

He hastened “to the place where God my Savior shows His face.” God waited for him, and he realized how much he looked forward to spending an eternity with the Father when his blindness would no longer matter.

Don’t let other priorities squeeze prayer out of your time. Long to be in God’s presence. Spend quality time with Him. Let Him take away your burdens and change your life.