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.
'Twas he who taught me thus to pray; and he, I trust, has answered prayer: but it has been in such a way as almost drove me to despair.
I hoped that in some favored hour, at once he'd grant me my request; and, by his love's constraining pow'r, subdue my sins, and give me rest.
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.
Yea more, with his own hand he seemed intent to aggravate my woe, crossed all the fair designs I schemed, humbled my pride, and laid me low.
"Lord, why is this?" I trembling cried; "Wilt thou pursue my soul to death?" "'Tis in this way," the Lord replied, "I answer prayer for grace and faith."
"These inward trial I employ, from self and sin to set thee free, to break thy schemes of worldly joy, that thou mayst see thy all in me."