EXHORTATION TO PRAYER
What various hindrances we meet
In coming to the mercy seat!
Yet who, that knows the worth of prayer
But wishes to be often there?
Prayer makes the darkened clouds withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian armour bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.
While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel’s side;
But when thro weariness they failed,
That moment Amalek prevailed.
Have you no words? Ah! Think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature’s ear.
With the sad take of all your care.
Were half the breath, thus vainly spent,
To Heaven in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oftener be,
“Hear what the Lord has done for me.”
- William Cowper -
