Today’s hymn comes from the great English poet William Cowper (1731-1800; his name is pronounced “Cooper”) who struggled with depression for most of his life and found godly comfort in the pastoral care of John Newton (1725-1807). Read the text Cowper’s hymn, understanding the author felt darkened clouds were drawn to him and fought to take strength in the joy of the Lord.
This one won’t be in your hymnal. It was written in 1779 and paired with tunes I can’t readily find recordings for. The one above is a familiar one that works, which is the way hymns have been sung for many years.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. . . . praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Eph 6:13, 18 ESV).
- 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! - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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!”