William Cowper on Prayer

I encountered this poem from William Cowper while preparing this past Sunday evening’s sermon on prayer and wanted to share it with you. I especially appreciate the penetrating insight of the final two stanzas. What might we see God do if we remembered the birds, remembered the lilies, remembered the nothing we’ve added to our stature by worrying, and prayed! Enjoy Cowper.

Exhortation to Prayer by William Cowper

What various hindrances we meet
In coming to a mercy-seat!
Yet who that knows the worth of pray’r,
But wishes to be often there?

Pray’r makes the dark’ned cloud withdraw,
Pray’r climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings ev’ry 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.

While Moses stood with arms spread wide,
Success was found on Israel’s side;
But when thro’ weariness they fail’d,
That moment Amalek prevail’d.

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!”