The Prayer of Jabez

I

Jesus, who bought us with his blood,
  And makes our souls his care,
Was known of old as Isr’el’s God,
  And answered Jabez’ prayer.

II

Jabez, a child of grief! the name
  Befits poor sinners well;
For Jesus bore the cross and shame,
  To save our souls from hell.

III

Teach us, Lord, like him to plea
  For mercies from above;
O come, and bless our souls indeed,
  With light and joy and love.

IV

The gospel’s promised land is wide,
  We fain would enter in:
But we are press’d on every side
  With unbelief and sin.

V

Arise, O Lord, enlarge our coast,
  Let us possess the whole,
That Satan may no longer boast
  He can thy work control.

VI

Oh! may thy hand be with us still.
  Our guide and guardian be,
To keep us safe from every ill,
  Till death shall set us free.

VII

Help us on thee to cast our care,
  And on thy word to rest;
That Isr’el’s God, who heareth pray’r
  Will grant us our request.