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;
Dispels the trouble I foresaw,
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.
When Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel’s side;
But when, through weariness, he 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 God in supplication sent,
Your cheerful song would oft’ner be,
“Hear what the Lord hath done for me!”