I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow

Prayer answered by crosses by John Newton


 * I asked the Lord that I might grow
 * In faith, and love, and every grace;
 * Might more of His salvation know,
 * And seek, more earnestly, His face.


 * ’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
 * And He, I trust, has answered prayer!
 * But it has been in such a way,
 * As almost drove me to despair.


 * I hoped that in some favored hour,
 * At once He’d answer my request;
 * And by His love’s constraining pow’r,
 * Subdue my sins, and give me rest.


 * Instead of this, He made me feel
 * The hidden evils of my heart;
 * And let the angry pow’rs of hell
 * Assault my soul in every part.


 * Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
 * Intent to aggravate my woe;
 * Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
 * Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.


 * Lord, why is this, I trembling cried,
 * Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
 * “’Tis in this way, the Lord replied,
 * I answer prayer for grace and faith.


 * These inward trials I employ,
 * From self, and pride, to set thee free;
 * And break thy schemes of earthly joy,
 * That thou may’st find thy all in Me.”