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 power,

Subdue my sins and give me rest.

Instead of this, he made me feel

The hidden evils of my heart,

And let the angry powers of hell

Assault my soul in every part.

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 seek thy all in me.