Lord, when we find it hard to pray, Help us to ask what bars the way, Why worship gives us no release Into your world of joy and peace. What duties have we left undone? What thing forbidden failed to shun? Or does our joyless spirit prove A loss of faith, a lack of love? Your humble saints, adept at prayer, Warn us, in praying, to prepare For time of darkness, times of doubt, Of barren hours and inward drought. You prayed for others on the cross, Lord, in your mercy, pray for us: Fill up the cup of faith again, And send our roots refreshing rain.