# Ask What I Shall Give Thee explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter is a prayerful hymn encouraging the soul to approach Jesus with boldness and large petitions, acknowledging His willingness to answer prayer, His grace and power, and the need for cleansing from sin, guidance, and a life of faith.

## Themes in this chapter

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The entire hymn is a prayer, encouraging the soul to bring large petitions to the King, trusting in His willingness to answer.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The hymn emphasizes God's grace and power, and the blood of Christ that sets the conscience free from guilt.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

The one who loves to answer prayer, invites the soul to pray, and is asked to take possession of the heart and reign without rival.

### The Narrator

The soul that comes to the King with burdens, seeking rest, cleansing, and guidance.

## Key lines

> Thou art coming to a King, Large petitions with thee bring; For his grace and power are such None can ever ask too much.

You are approaching a King, so bring big requests; His grace and power are so great that no one can ask for too much.

_Encourages boldness in prayer because of God's infinite resources._

> As the image in the glass Answers the beholder’s face, Thus unto my heart appear, Print thine own resemblance there.

Just as a mirror reflects the face of the one looking into it, so appear to my heart and imprint your own likeness upon me.

_A plea for transformation into the image of Christ._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/31-ask-what-i-shall-give-thee
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters