Sunday Reflection

I ASK'D 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. I hop’d that in some favour’d 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 seem’d intent to aggravate my woe; Cross’d all the fair designs I schem’d blasted my gourds, and laid me low.”

Lord, why is this,” I trembling cry’d, “Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?” ‘Tis in this way,” the Lord reply’d, “I answer pray’r 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 mayst seek thy all in me.”

— John Newton, Prayer Answered by Crosses