I Asked the Lord that I Might Grow

By Sovereign Grace Music

Lyrics

VERSE 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.


VERSE 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.


VERSE 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.


VERSE 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.


VERSE 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.


VERSE 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.”


VERSE 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.”