Book II · Hymn 60 · Exhortation to Prayer

William Cowper

Exhortation to prayer.
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.
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 armor 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;
Ex 17:11

But when through 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 tale of all your care.
Were half the breath thus vainly spent,
To heav'n in supplication sent;
Your cheerful song would oft'ner be,

Hear what the LORD has done for me