Prayer an answer will obtain

Woman of Canaan by John Newton


 * Prayer an answer will obtain,
 * Though the Lord awhile delay;
 * None shall seek his face in vain,
 * None be empty sent away.


 * When the woman came from Tyre,
 * And for help to JESUS sought;
 * Though he granted her desire,
 * Yet at first he answered not.


 * Could she guess at his intent,
 * When he to his follow'rs said,
 * "I to Israel's sheep am sent,
 * Dogs must not have children's bread."


 * She was not of Israel's seed,
 * But of Canaan's wretched race;
 * Thought herself a dog indeed;
 * Was not this a hopeless case?


 * Yet although from Canaan sprung,
 * Though a dog herself she styled;
 * She had Israel's faith and tongue,
 * And was owned for Abraham's child.


 * From his words she draws a plea;
 * Though unworthy children's bread,
 * 'Tis enough for one like me,
 * If with crumbs I may be fed.


 * Jesus then his heart revealed,
 * "Woman canst thou thus believe?
 * I to thy petition yield,
 * All that thou canst wish, receive.


 * 'Tis a pattern set for us,
 * How we ought to wait and pray;
 * None who plead and wrestle thus,
 * Shall be empty sent away.