Cowper Hymn on Prayer

I was tempted to title this 'on a hymn and a prayer' but thought it a little too cheesy!

Thanks to Stuart Dean who put me onto this great hymn from William Cowper about prayer - which fits well to the tune Duke Street (Fight the Good Fight).

We sang it during our church weekend away, which focused on prayer - Stu's excellent teaching should shortly be available to download here.

Verse 5 is, as Jam Carey (one of our elders at Christ Church, Mayfair) observed at the weekend, an absolute cracker, and very fair rebuke!

I think the whole thing's great...

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.”