What various hindrances we meet

What various hindrances we meet. William Cowper* (1731-1800). First published in Olney Hymns (1779), Book II (‘On occasional Subjects’), Hymn LX. It was entitled ‘Exhortation to prayer’: What various hind’rances we meetIn 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 armor bright;And Satan trembles, when he seesThe weakest saint upon his knees. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Success was found on Israel’s side; But when through...