Prayers Answered by Crosses

 

Prayers Answered by Crosses

John Newton

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 answer 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 every part.

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.

“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.

“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 thine all in me.”