I Asked The Lord
Verse 1I asked the Lord that I might growIn faith and love and ev'ry graceMight more of His salvation knowAnd seek more earnestly His face
Verse 2'Twas He who taught me thus to prayAnd He I trust has answered prayerBut it has been in such a wayAs almost drove me to despair
Verse 3I hoped that in some favoured hourAt once He'd answer my requestAnd by His love's constraining powerSubdue my sins and give me rest
Verse 4Instead of this He made me feelThe hidden evils of the heartAnd let the angry powers of hellAssault my soul in ev'ry part
Verse 5Yea more with His own hand He seemedIntent to aggravate my woeCrossed all the fair designs I'd schemedBlasted my gourds and laid me low
Verse 6Lord why is this I trembling criedWilt Thou pursue Thy worm to death'Tis in this way the Lord repliedI answer prayer for grace and faith
Verse 7These inward trials I employFrom self and pride to set thee freeAnd break thy schemes of earthly joyThat thou may'st seek Thy all in me