A Selection of Hymns ‎#CCCLIII

CCCLIII. Exhortation to Prayer

1 What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy-seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of prayer
But wishes to be often there?

2 Prayer makes the darkened clouds withdraw,
Prayer climes the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

3 Restraining prayer we cease to fight;
Prayer makes the Christian's armor bright;
And Satan trembles, when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.

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

5 Have you no words? ah, think again,
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill a fellow-creature's ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

6 Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
To Heaven in supplication sent;
Your cheerful song would oft'ner be,
"Hear what the Lord has done for me."

Text Information

• First Line: What various hindrances we meet
• Title: Exhortation to Prayer
• Author: Cowper
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1792
• Topic: Worship: Hymns Before Prayer; Encouragement to prayer; Exhortation to Prayer; Hymns before prayer; Public Religion
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

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