Pat Boone's first album of traditional religious hymns seems, if anything, to come as naturally to him as his trademark ballads, if not more so. Indeed, this music was an important part of his everyday life -- an expression of his deeply felt religious beliefs -- long before his appearance on the pop music scene. So, it is not surprising that these hymns are delivered with a respectful, heartfelt sincerity. There is a consistently fine quality of gentleness, comfort, and assurance about them. From the start there is not only a serene harmony to each piece individually, but a seamless flow that carries through the entire album. The natural corollary is one that cannot be attained by any contrived, ornate, or ostentatious elaboration -- and that effect is the uplift of the listener. "Sweet Hour of Prayer," "Softly and Tenderly," "Whispering Hope," and all the others are balm for the human spirit.