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!

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.

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.

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.

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!"