Exhortation to Prayer

Verse 1

What various hindrances we meet in coming to the mercy seat! Yet who that knows the worth of pray'r but wishes to be often there!

Verse 2

Pray'r makes the darkened clouds withdraw; pray'r climbs the ladder Jacob saw; gives exercise to faith and love; brings ev'ry blessing from above.

Verse 3

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.

Verse 4

Have you no words? Ah, think again: words flow apace when you complain, and fill a fellow-creature’s ear with the sad tale of all your care.

Verse 5

Were half the breath thus vainly spent to heav’n in supplication sent, our cheerful song would oft’ner be, "Hear what the Lord hath done for me!"