Exhortation to Prayer
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in overcoming spiritual struggles and experiencing God's blessings.
William Cowper emphasizes the importance of prayer as a powerful tool to overcome hindrances and receive blessings from above. He highlights how prayer strengthens faith, love, and spiritual armor, causing even Satan to tremble. Cowper uses the example of Moses' intercessory prayer for Israel to illustrate the impact of prayer in achieving victory. He urges the congregation to redirect their words from complaints to supplications, recognizing the transformation that heartfelt prayers can bring to their lives.
Text
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!"
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Prayer
- The Consequences of Not Praying
- The Power of Prayer in Times of Need
- Moses' arms spread wide, success was found on Israel's side
- But when thro' weariness they fail'd, that moment Amalek prevail'd
- Satan trembles, when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees
Key Quotes
“Pray'r makes the dark'ned cloud withdraw” — William Cowper
“Pray'r climbs the ladder Jacob saw” — William Cowper
“Were half the breath thus vainly spent, To heav'n in supplication sent” — William Cowper
Application Points
- Prayer is essential for spiritual growth and overcoming struggles.
- We must persevere in prayer to experience God's strength and blessings.
- Our words and actions should reflect our faith and love for God.