Exhortation to Prayer

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 darkest 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.

When Moses stood with arms spread wide,

Success was found on Israel's side;

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-creatures' ears

With the sad tale of all your cares.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent,

To heaven in supplication sent,

Your cheerful song would oftener be,

"Hear what the Lord hath done for me!