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 that led me thus to pray, And He, I know, has answered prayer; But it has been in such a way, As almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favoured hour, My Lord would answer my request, And would by His constraining power Subdue my sins and give me rest.
Instead of this, He made me feel The hidden evils of my heart, And let the angry powers of hell Assault my soul in every part.
Then, with His own strong hand, He seemed Intent to aggravate my woe; Thwarted the fair designs I schemed, Withered my pleasures; laid me low.
‘Lord, why is this?’ I trembling cried, ‘Wilt Thou pursue my soul to death?’ ‘This is the way,’ the Lord replied, ‘I answer prayer for grace and faith . . .
‘These inward trials I employ, From self and pride to set you free; And break your schemes of earthly joy, That you may find your all in Me.’
John ewton, 1725-1807