What 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 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.
While 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 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.”
William Cowper (1731-1800)
2 comments:
Amen. Maybe I should have a policy of 3 prayers for every Facebook status update?
When we first used this as a hymn at church we werew using powerpoint. So one verse per slide.
You can imagine the impact of singing it that way if you don't know what is coming.
It's the only hymn I have been singing that involved a corporate laugh as the slides changed! And boom ... the point is made powerfully.
Post a Comment