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 cloud 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’s 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, through weariness, they failed,

That moment Amalek prevailed.

---

Have we no words, ah, think again!

Words flow apace when we complain

And fill our fellow-creature’s ear

With the sad tale of all our care.

---

Were half the breath thus vainly spent

To Heaven in supplication sent,

Our cheerful song would oftener be,

‘Hear what the Lord has done for me.’

---

William Cowper, 1731-1800