Quiet, Lord, My Froward Heart

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Newton prayer for a teachable heart.

29 content lines · 152 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 53 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 65

John Newton

7,6,7,6,7,7

The child
Ps 131:2 Mt 18:3,4

Quiet, LORD, my froward heart,

Make me teachable and mild,

Upright, simple, free from art,

Make me as a weaned child:

From distrust and envy free,

Pleased with all that pleases thee.

What thou shalt today provide,

Let me as a child receive;

What tomorrow may betide,

Calmly to thy wisdom leave:

'Tis enough that thou wilt care,

Why should I the burden bear?

As a little child relies

On a care beyond his own;

Knows he's neither strong nor wise,

Fears to stir a step alone:

Let me thus with thee abide,

As my Father, Guard, and Guide.

Thus preserved from Satan's wiles,

Safe from dangers, free from fears;

May I live upon thy smiles,

Till the promised hour appears;

When the sons of God shall prove

All their Father's boundless love.