William Cowper (1731–1800)

What various hind’rances we meet

In coming to a mercy-seat!

Yet who that knows the worth of pray’r,

But wishes to be often there.

Pray’r makes the dark’ned cloud withdraw,

Pray’r climbs the ladder Jacob saw;

Gives exercise to faith and love,

Brings ev’ry blessing from above.

Restraining pray’r, we cease to fight;

Pray’r 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;

But when thro’ weariness they fail’d,

That moment Amalek prevail’d.

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!”