Prayer answered by crosses

Source

Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779) Source URL: https://ccel.org/ccel/newton/olneyhymns Public domain basis: First published London, 1779; Newton d. 1807, Cowper d. 1800. CCEL first-edition transcription. US public domain. Coverage: Complete individual poem extracted from parent edition olney-hymns at bytes 315565-316633; checksum 91931aa43ee00479f10f678c44b7b21d54565ad36a63d911382b3c748ba92892.

# Prayer answered by crosses

Prayer answered by crosses

Hymn 36

John Newton

8,8,8,8

Prayer answered by crosses.

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."