I Asked The Lord That I Might Grow

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 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 heart and laid me low

Lord, why is this, I trembling cried
Will 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 thy all in Me