William Cowper’s “Exhortation to Prayer” unfolds as a warm, urgent encouragement to keep praying despite every inner and outer obstacle. He opens by acknowledging how many things hold us back from that quiet place of mercy — yet anyone who truly grasps prayer’s value craves it. From there the poem surges with vivid biblical images: prayer dispelling a dark cloud, ascending like Jacob’s ladder, brightening the believer’s inner armor, and startlingly, making Satan himself tremble at the sight of “the weakest saint upon his knees.” The turning point comes through the story of Moses. When his arms stayed lifted in prayer, Israel won; the moment fatigue defeated his posture, Amalek gained ground. Cowper then turns a sharp, gentle mirror on us: we can fill a friend’s ear with endless complaints, but if even half that breath went heavenward as honest prayer, our grumbling would become a joyful anthem of “what the Lord has done for me.” The mood is not scolding but deeply personal — like someone who knows the ache of a silent prayer life and extends a hand, not a lecture.
Exhortation to Prayer — Summary
What various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, But wishes to be often there?
Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, Brings every blessing from above.
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer 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 through 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 heaven in supplication sent, Your cheerful song would oftener be, "Hear what the Lord has done for me."