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 drove me almost to despair.

I hoped that in some favoured 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 persue 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 mayst seek thy all in Me.”