277 When afflictions sore oppress you,

1 When afflictions sore oppress you, Low with grief and anguish bowed, Then to earnest prayer address you; Prayer will help you, through the cloud Still to see your Savior near, Under every cross you bear; By the light His word doth lend you, Prayer will joy and comfort send you. 2 None shall ever be confounded, Who in God will freely trust; Though they be by woes surrounded, God's a rock to all the just: Though you deem He hears you not, Still your wants are ne'er forgot: Cry to Him when storms assail you, Let your courage never fail you. 3 Call on God, knock, seek, implore Him, 'Tis the Christian's noblest skill; He who comes with faith before Him, Meets with help and favor still: Who on God most firmly rest, Are the wisest and the best; God will with such strength imbue them, Ne'er shall any foe subdue them. 4 Learn to mark God's wondrous dealing With the people that He loves; When His chastening hand they're feeling, Then their faith the strongest proves: God is nigh, and notes their tears, Though He answers not, He hears; Pray with faith, for though He try you, No good thing can God deny you. 5 Ponder all God's truth can teach you, Let His word your footsteps guide; Satan's wiles shall never reach you, Though he draw the world aside: Lo! God's truth is thy defense, Light, and hope, and confidence: Trust in God, He'll not deceive you, Pray, and all your foes will leave you.