← What various hindrances we meet Hymns and Tunes (1888) · No. 515

What various hindrances we meet

1

What various hindrances we meetIn coming to the mercy-seat!Yet who that knows the worth of prayerBut wishes to be often there?

2

Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw;Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw,Gives exercise to faith and love,Brings every blessing from above.

3

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight;Prayer makes the Christian's armor bright;And Satan trembles when he seesThe weakest saint upon his knees.

4

When Moses stood with arms spread wide,Success was found on Israel's side;But when, through weariness, they failed,That moment Amalek prevailed.

5

Have you no words? Ah! think again;Words flow apace when you complain,And fill your fellow-creatures' earsWith the sad tale of all your cares.

6

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!"