I Asked the Lord
I recently heard the hymn ‘I Asked the Lord’ by John Newton and was deeply encouraged and comforted by it. 
The hymn addresses the topic of how God helps us to grow as believers. Often-times, it is a deeply painful process where God allows us to see our sin and help us to repent of it. Rather than a quick relief, it’s a long and difficult season. But the result is a life more closely molded after Jesus and centered on God. If you are a believer, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
These lyrics are rich and wonderful! Sadly, they are radically different from the soppy, me-centered, shallow lyrics that characterize much of contemporary Christian music today. Check out ‘Indelible Grace’s version and read the lyrics here:
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.
’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,
Blasted my gourds, 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 thy all in Me.”
2 replies on “I Asked the Lord”
So blessed to close my day with this post. THANK YOU!
thanks John! We should use this sometime for Cross of Christ Fellowship.