Olney Hymns · Chapter
Chapter 103 explained
A prayer acknowledging God's omniscience and sovereignty, asking for acceptance of our offerings, pardon for our sins, and a blessing on His word.
What happens
A prayer acknowledging God's omniscience and sovereignty, asking for acceptance of our offerings, pardon for our sins, and a blessing on His word. It concludes with a longing for the second coming of Christ and the final gathering of believers.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The entire chapter is a prayer, acknowledging God's knowledge of our needs and our dependence on His power and pardon.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The prayer looks forward to the time when believers will 'meet together thus when thou and thine appear,' expressing hope in the final gathering and Christ's return.
Characters to notice
- God
Addressed as the one who knows our wants and from whom all our powers come.
- Jesus Christ
Invoked in the closing plea for His return: 'Lord Jesus, come.'
- The Narrator
The speaker of the prayer, representing the congregation.
Key passages
“To thee our wants are known, From thee are all our pow'rs;”
You know our needs, and you are the source of all our abilities.
Acknowledges God's omniscience and sovereignty.
“Accept what is thine own, And pardon what is ours:”
Please accept what we offer that is rightfully yours, and forgive us for our sins.
A plea for God to receive our worship and forgive our transgressions.
“May meet together thus When thou and thine appear,”
May we be gathered together in this same way when you and your people appear in glory.
Expresses a desire for the final gathering of the saints at Christ's return.
“Even so, Amen, Lord Jesus, come.”
Yes, let it be so. Come, Lord Jesus.
A direct prayer for the second coming of Christ.