I Asked the Lord

This past week Brother Dave and I had the opportunity to go to a conference called Together for the Gospel. It was a pastor's conference that drew over seven thousand pastors from all over the world. As you can imagine, the preaching was amazing, but what struck me, naturally, was the singing. The worship leader was a man named Bob Kauflin (a big hero of mine) and I was struck by how simple the music was, accompanied by him alone on the piano. What struck me more than that, however, were the texts we sung. I learned a new hymn by John Newton (Amazing Grace). I wanted you to know it too.


-Mark Whitaker


I Asked The Lord

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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


5. Yea more with His own hand He seemed
Intent to aggravate my woe
Crossed all the fair designs I schemed,
Cast out my feelings, laid me low

6. 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"

7. "These inward trials I employ
From self and pride to set thee free
And break thy schemes of earthly joy
That thou mayest seek thy all in me,
That thou mayest seek thy all in me."