Prayer Answered by Crosses
John Newton's sermon emphasizes that God often answers prayers through trials and suffering to foster deeper faith and reliance on Him.
John Newton preaches about the journey of growth in faith and love, highlighting how God's answers to our prayers may not always come in the way we expect, often leading us through trials and challenges to refine our character and draw us closer to Him. He emphasizes that God uses these inward struggles to free us from self-reliance and earthly desires, redirecting our focus to seek Him above all else.
Text
1 I ask'd the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and ev'ry 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 answer'd pray'r;
But it has been in such a way,
As almost drove me to despair.
3 I hop'd that in some favour'd hour,
At once he'd answer my request:
And by his love's constraining pow'r,
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 pow'rs of hell
Assault my soul in ev'ry part.
5 Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Cross'd all the fair designs I schem'd,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
6 Lord, why is this, I trembling cry'd,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
"'Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd,
"I answer pray'r 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 mayst seek thy all in me."
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The nature of prayer and its purpose - Expectations versus reality in answered prayer - The role of faith in prayer
- II points: - Understanding trials as answers to prayer - The purpose of suffering in spiritual growth - God's methods of teaching and refining
- III points: - The importance of humility in seeking God - Recognizing hidden sins and struggles - Finding joy in reliance on God
- IV points: - The paradox of grace through suffering - Transformative power of God's love - Seeking fulfillment in God alone
Key Quotes
“''Tis in this way, the Lord reply''d, I answer pray''r for grace and faith.” — John Newton
“These inward trials I employ, From self and pride to set thee free.” — John Newton
Application Points
- Embrace trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper faith.
- Seek to understand and confront hidden sins in your life through prayer.
- Find joy and fulfillment in a relationship with God rather than earthly comforts.