the impulses to wordless prayer

charles dickens wrote a poem called "things that never die," and we sang a rendition of it in women's chorus 3 years ago. i have reproduced a copy of it for you here:

things that never die

the pure, the bright, the beautiful
that stirred our hearts in youth,
the impulses to wordless prayer,
the streams of love and truth,
the longing after something lost,
the spirit's longing cry,
the striving after better hopes—
these things can never die.

the timid hand stretched forth to aid
a brother in his need;
a kindly word in grief's dark hour
that proves a friend indeed;
the plea for mercy softly breathed,
when justice threatens high,
the sorrow of a contrite heart—
these things shall never die.

let nothing pass, for every hand
must find some work to do,
lose not a chance to waken love—
be firm and just and true.
so shall a light that cannot fade
beam on thee from on high,
and angel voices say to thee—
"these things shall never die."

my favorite line in the poem is "the impulses to wordless prayer." in fact, if it wasn't so long, i would probably create a new blog with that name. i love the idea of earthly, mortal things that produce a reflex reaction of wordless prayer, of worship of our Heavenly Father.

these are my impulses to wordless prayer:

watching the sun rise as i walk to school
mountains changing color with the seasons
the hymns of Zion
a newborn baby
children laughing
a testimony of the Savior born with sweet conviction
sweet memories of jerusalem
missionaries, especially sister missionaries
the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ
the restoration of the gospel
chance meetings of dear friends
songs about the Savior in women's chorus
singing for general conference
the book of mormon
reading isaiah
playing the piano
observing simple kindnesses
sharing the gospel
watching peoples' hearts change
the bible, doctrine and covenants, and pearl of great price
a living prophet and living revelation
glimpses of eternity
temples and temple work
the first flowers of spring
lighthouses
promptings from the Holy Ghost
sudden flashes of inspiration
"He is" by hilary weeks
attending conference in the conference center
pondering the sacrament and sacrament hymns
the sea of galilee
long drives in the car
translating hebrew and arabic passages with ease
eternal marriage
the jerusalem center
answered prayers
byu campus after the first snowfall
autumn
the many opportunities i am offered at byu
personalized blessings
understanding my purpose on the earth
driving into provo on university pkwy at night and seeing the temple
watching the sun set over jerusalem
seeing the religious devotion of others
the light of Christ in the faces of my friends