A New Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs, from various authors—some entirely new (3rd Windsor Ed.) ‎#XV

XV. On Prayer

1 How many obstacles we meet
When striving for the mercy seat;
Yet who that knows the worth of pray'r,
But wishes often to be there.

2 Pray'r makes the darkest clouds withdraw,
Pray'r climes the ladder Jacob saw;
Give exercise to faith and love;
Brings every blessing from above.

3 Restraining pray'r, we cease to fight
Pray'r makes the christian's armour bright;
And satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

4 When Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel's side;
But when through weariness they fail'd,
That moment Amalek prevail'd.

5 Have you not words? O think again,
Words flow a pace when we complain,
And fill our fellow creatures ears
With the sad tale of all our cares.

6 Were half the breath, thus vainly spent,
To heav'n in supplication sent,
Your cheerful songs would often be,
Hear what the Lord has done for me.

Text Information

• First Line: How many obstacles we meet
• Title: On Prayer
• Meter: Long Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1793
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)