Psalms and Hymns to the Living God ‎#427

427. I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow

1 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.

2 '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.

3 I hoped that in some favored hour
at once He's 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 every part.

5 Yea more, with His own hand He seemed
intent to aggravate me 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."

Text Information

• First Line: I asked the Lord that I might grow
• Title: I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow
• Author: John Newton (1791)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2023
• Topic: Comfort, Death, and Glory

Tune Information

• Name: O WALY WALY
• Arranger: Dan Kreider
• Meter: LM
• Key: G Major or modal
• Source: Folk Songs form Somerset, 1906
• Copyright: Arr. © 2018 Dan Kreider