Hymnal: The Christian Hymn Book
Date: 1865
Compiler: Alexander Campbell
Publisher/Printer: Central Book Concern
First Line: What various hindrances we meet
Topic: The Church/Prayer and Social Meetings
Writer: <no first name given> Cowper
Composer:
Meter: LM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 556
Page Number: 337, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsWhat 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 clouds 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.
Have you no words? Ah, think again;
Words flow apace when we complain,
And fill a 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!"