Exhortation to Prayer

I

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

II

Pray’r makes the darken’d cloud withdraw
Pray’r climbs the ladder Jacob saw,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.

III

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.

IV

While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Isr’el’s side;
But when through weariness they fail’d,
That moment Amalek prevail’d.

V

Have you no words? Ah! think again;
Words flow apace when you complain,
And fill your fellow-creature’s ear
With the sad tale of all your care.

VI

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.”