I recently came across these words to an old hymn by John Newton, titled “I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow“, along with the related commentary below. Newton is most famous for the hymn, “Amazing Grace“. This hymn below reflects his prayer for God’s constraining grace that would put an end to his struggle with much sin and the torments of the hidden evils of his heart that provoke that sin, as well as his longing for an unimpeachable faith that would result in holiness and a life that honored and pleased his LORD.
I am privileged to meet with a small group of humble, Godly men on a regular basis to support, encourage and pray for one another in our faltering efforts to live our lives in a manner that pleases, honors and glorifies our LORD in the midst of our failures, afflictions and troubles. I pray that this hymn and commentary will be as encouraging to them and to all of you who read this post, as it has been to me. I found Stanza 7 to be most enlightening and comforting.
- 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.
- 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.
- Lord, “Why is this?” I trembling cried,
“Will you pursue your 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 you free
And break your schemes of earthly joy
That you would seek your all in me.” John Newton
About This Hymn
I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow is a deeply searching hymn written by John Newton and first published in 1779 in Olney Hymns, the influential collection he prepared with William Cowper. Newton, best known for “Amazing Grace,” was a former slave trader turned Anglican pastor whose hymns often reflect his own painful yet sanctifying spiritual journey. This hymn stands as one of the clearest examples of his pastoral realism and experiential theology.
The hymn is structured around a prayer and God’s unexpected answer to it. Newton begins with a sincere desire for spiritual growth, holiness, and freedom from sin. The request itself is biblical and commendable, echoing passages such as James 1:2-4, where trials are shown to produce patience and maturity. However, as the hymn unfolds, Newton shows that God’s method of answering such prayers often contradicts human expectations. Rather than immediate comfort or visible progress, the believer encounters trials, inward struggles, and a painful exposure of pride and self-reliance.
This tension reflects the biblical teaching of Romans 5:3-5, where tribulation produces perseverance and hope, and Hebrews 12:5-11, which presents God’s discipline as a mark of loving sonship. Newton portrays God as a wise Father who is more concerned with true holiness than temporary ease. The trials described in the hymn are not signs of divine displeasure but instruments of grace, designed to drive the believer away from self-confidence and toward complete dependence on Christ.
A key theological emphasis of the hymn is the destruction of spiritual pride. Newton makes clear that growth in grace often involves the painful removal of false supports. This theme aligns closely with 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, where Paul learns that Christ’s strength is made perfect in weakness. By allowing the believer to feel their helplessness, God teaches them to rest fully in His sufficiency.
I Asked the Lord That I Might Grow has endured because of its honesty. It gives language to the confusion many believers experience when sincere prayers seem to lead to hardship rather than relief. Newton reassures the singer that such experiences are not wasted or accidental. Instead, they are evidence of God’s faithful work, answering prayer in a deeper and wiser way than the believer first imagined. The hymn remains a valuable corrective to shallow views of spiritual growth and a comforting guide for Christians walking through seasons of testing, reminding them that the Lord is accomplishing His good purpose even through painful means.
I Asked the Lord That I May Grow – Hymn Link
Grace and Peace x