Song of the Day: A Beautiful Hymn by John Newton

One of John Newton’s most beautiful hymns, published in the Olney collection under the heading, “Prayer Answered by Crosses.”

1 I ask’d 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 answer’d pray’r;

But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair.

3 I hop’d that in some favour’d 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 seem’d

Intent to aggravate my woe;

Cross’d all the fair designs I schem’d,

Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

6 Lord, why is this, I trembling cry’d,

Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?

“’Tis in this way,” the Lord reply’d,

“I answer pray’r 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 mayst seek thy all in me.”