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?

2 Prayer makes the darkened clouds 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 sees

The weakest saint upon his knees.

4 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.

5 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!”