For the Spirit of Prayer

What shall I do to 'scape the hell
That burns me up within?
Satan, and all his hosts, I feel
In this indwelling sin.

It mocks my strength, prevents my flight,
Still intimately nigh:
Impossible it is to fight,
Impossible to fly.

One only refuge there remains;
But that I cannot find,
So fast these grievous, fleshly chains
My slothful spirit bind.

Monster of sin! How can it be
That I should still delay?
Jesus I know would set me free,
Would I to Jesus pray.

He bids me ask, and I shall have:
I know it, and forbear;
Assured He would the sinner save,
In answer to my prayer.

He pities now my sad estate,
And gladly would relieve;
But, O! I cannot — will not — wait
Till He the blessing give.

He waits that He may gracious be,
To all His bowels move.:
Fury, O God, is not in Thee,
But all Thy heart is love.

Then help me to receive Thy word,
Help me on Thee to call;
Have patience with me, dearest Lord,
And I will pay Thee all.

On me for good this token show,
Pronounce the Ephphatha,
And let my heart in prayer o'erflow,
And let me always pray.

A time to Thee I will not set,
Nor charge Thee with delay;
Do with me, Lord, as seems Thee meet,
But let me always pray.

Thou art not slack touching Thy word;
Content I am to stay,
To wait the leisure of my Lord,
But let me always pray.

Though in my flesh I feel the thorn,
No more will I complain,
Let me but in Thy bosom mourn,
And tell Thee all my pain.

Come joy or grief, come life or death,
For this I take no care;
But when I render up my breath,
Let my last breath be prayer.
GOING INTO A PLACE OF DANGER,