1 I asked the Lord that I might grow
in faith and love and ev’ry grace;
might more of His salvation know,
and seek more earnestly His face.
2 ’Twas He who taught me thus to pray,
and He, I trust, has answered pray’r,
but it has been in such a way
as almost drove me to despair.
3 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.
4 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 ev’ry part.
5 Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
intent to aggravate my woe,
crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
humbled my heart, and laid me low.
6 “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.
7 “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.”
