Scripture Verse

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. Exodus 17:11

Introduction

portrait
William Cowper
1731–1800

Words: Will­iam Cow­per, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779), Book 2, num­ber 60. Ex­hor­ta­tion to pray­er.

Music: Bres­lau As Hym­no­dus Sa­cer (Leip­zig, Ger­ma­ny: 1625) (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Crowborough, Wal­ter G. Whin­field. First is­sued in a li­tho­graphed set of Eight Hymn Tunes (Birm­ing­ham, Eng­land: Priest­ly), then in Al­ter­na­tive Hymn Tunes, 1902 (🔊 pdf nwc)
illustration
Moses Holds Up His Rod

Lyrics

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 darkened 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 armor 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 failed,
That moment Amalek prevailed.

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 oftener be,
Hear what the Lord has done for me!