William U. Butcher (U.S.A., nineteenth century) composed PRAYER in 1860. Except for the fact that he had some association with the Oliver Ditson Music Company, no information is available about Butcher.

This simple but serviceable tune has an elementary harmonization that invites singing in harmony. To emphasize the theme, sing the final stanza in unison both at the beginning and the end as a frame with an alternate organ setting. Sing all other stanzas in parts. Maintain one broad pulse per bar.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook