The Woman of Canaan

I

Prayer an answer will obtain,
Though the Lord awhile delay;
None shall seek his face in vain,
None be empty sent away.

II

When the woman came from Tyre,
And for help to Jesus sought,
Though he granted her desire,
Yet at first he answer’d not.

III

Could she guess at his intent
When he to his foll’wers said,
“I to Israel’s sheep am sent;
Dogs must not have children’s bread’?

IV

She was not of Israel’s seed,
But of Canaan’s wretched race;
Thought herself a dog indeed;
Was not this a hopeless case?

V

Yet although from Canaan sprung,
Though a dog herself she styled,
She had Israel’s faith and tongue,
And was own’d for Abram’s child.

VI

From His word she draws a plea:
“Though unworthy children’s bread,
’Tis enough for one like me
If with crumbs I may be fed.”

VII

Jesus then his heart reveal’d:
“Woman, canst thou thus believe?
I to thy petition yield,
All that thou canst wish receive.”

VIII

’Tis a pattern set for us,
How we ought to wait and pray;
None who plead and wrestle thus
Shall be empty sent away.