If Solomon for wis­dom prayed,
The Lord be­fore had made him wise;
Else he an­oth­er choice had made,
And asked for what the world­lings prize.

Thus He in­vites his people still,
He first in­structs them how to choose;
Then bids them ask what­e’er they will,
Assured that He will not re­fuse.

Our wishes would our ru­in prove,
Could we our wretch­ed choice ob­tain;
Before we feel the Sav­ior’s love,
Kindle our love to Him again.

But when our hearts per­ceive His worth,
Desires, till then un­known, take place;
Our spir­its cleave no more to earth,
But pant for ho­li­ness and grace.

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;
Sick or in health, or rich or poor,
All shall be well if Thou art mine.