What various hindrance we meet,

In coming to the mercy-seat!

Yet who that knows the worth of prayer

But wishes to be often there?

Pray’r makes the darken’d cloud withdraw;

Pray’r climbs the ladder Jacob saw,

Gives exercise to faith and love,

Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining pray’r, we cease to fight;

Pray’r makes the Christian’s armour bright;

And Satan trembles when he sees

The weakest saint upon his knees.

O Lord, increase our faith and love,

That we may all Thy goodness prove,

And gain from Thy exhaustless store

The fruits of prayer for evermore.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent

To heav'n in supplication sent,

Our cheerful song would oftener be,

Hear what the Lord hath done for me.