Hymn 32
John Newton
8,8,8,8
Ask what I shall give thee.
1Ki 3:5 If Solomon for wisdom prayed, The Lord before had made him wise; Else he another choice had made, And asked for what the worldlings prize. | Thus he invites his people still, He first instructs them how to choose; 42 Then bids them ask whate’er they will, Assured that He will not refuse. | Our wishes would our ruin prove, Could we our wretched choice obtain; Before we feel the Savior’s love, Kindle our love to him again. | But when our hearts perceive his worth, Desires, till then unknown, take place; Our spirits cleave no more to earth, But pant for holiness and grace. | And dost thou say, “Ask what thou wilt?” Lord, I would seize the golden hour; I pray to be released from guilt, And freed from sin and Satan’s pow’r. | More of thy presence, Lord, impart, More of thine image let me bear; Erect thy throne within my heart, And reign without a rival there. | Give me to read my pardon sealed, And from thy joy to draw my strength; To have thy boundless love revealed In all its height, and breadth, and length. | Grant these requests, I ask no more But to thy care the rest resign; Sick or in health, or rich or poor, All shall be well if thou art mine. | |