Words: , Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779). Newton’s original, longer, version began “If Solomon for wisdom prayed.” The shorter version below appeared in the Arminian Magazine, 1781. Music: Hesperus, , 1854; first published in A Hymnal for Use in the English Church, by J. Grey, 1866. |
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 power.
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;
Living or dying, rich or poor,
All shall be well if Thou art mine.