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  EXHORTATION TO PRAYER
  by William Cowper
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer in overcoming
spiritual struggles and experiencing God's blessings.

Topics: "Power Of Prayer", "Spiritual Warfare"
Scripture References: Psalm 34:17, Ephesians 6:18, Philippians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, James 5:16

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DESCRIPTION
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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.

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CONTENT
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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!"

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/william-cowper/exhortation-to-prayer/
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