Here is a song by John Newton that I heard before for the first time at Together 4 The Gospel Conference, this week.  Let it sink deep.

I Asked The Lord

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 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 every part

Yeah more with His own hand He seemed intent to
aggravate my woe, crossed all the
fair designs I schemed, humbled my
heart, and laid me low

“Lord, why is this,” I, trembling, cried; “wilt Thou pur-
sue 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 though may’st
find thy all in Me.