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