Olney Hymns · Chapter
Prayer for the Continuance of the Gospel explained
The chapter reflects on a past time of mourning when the congregation was silenced, but through prayer and divine intervention, their cries were heard and pain eased.
What happens
The chapter reflects on a past time of mourning when the congregation was silenced, but through prayer and divine intervention, their cries were heard and pain eased. It celebrates the answered prayer for the continuance of the gospel, finding joy and comfort in the midst of trials and temptations.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The chapter centers on the community's prayer for the continuance of the gospel and their dependence on God to hear and answer their cries.
Suffering and Affliction
The chapter acknowledges the trials, pain, and cares that press upon the believers, yet finds that the gospel sweetens all afflictions.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
The Lord is depicted as the one who hears cries, eases pain, and grants the request for the gospel's continuance.
- The Narrator
The narrator speaks for the community, recalling the past sorrow and the joy of answered prayer.
- The Saints
The saints are those who trembled for the ark and unite in praise for answered prayer.
Key passages
“Once, while we aim’d at Zion’s songs, A sudden mourning check’d our tongues!”
Previously, as we were about to sing joyful songs of Zion, a sudden grief silenced us.
The opening lines describe an abrupt interruption of joy, leading to a period of lament.
“Then we were called to sow in tears The seeds of joy for future years.”
We were then called to plant the seeds of future joy through our tears.
This metaphor suggests that present sorrow will yield future rejoicing.
“Oft as that memorable hour The changing year brings round again, We meet to praise the love and power Which heard our cries and eased our pain.”
Whenever the anniversary of that memorable time comes around each year, we gather to praise the love and power that heard our cries and relieved our suffering.
The community commemorates the answered prayer annually.
“Come, ye who trembled for the ark, Unite in praise for answer’d prayer;”
Come, all who were anxious for the ark of God, join together in praising God for answering our prayer.
The 'ark' symbolizes the gospel or the presence of God, and those who feared for its safety are called to give thanks.
““Let us but have thy word,” we cried, “In other things thy will be done.””
We pleaded, 'Just let us have your word, and in all other matters, your will be done.'
The community's primary desire was the continuation of the gospel, submitting everything else to God's will.
“Since he has granted our request, And we still hear the gospel voice; Although by many trials press’d, In this we can and will rejoice.”
Because God has granted our request and we still hear the gospel, even though we are pressed by many trials, we can and will rejoice in this.
The answered prayer for the gospel's continuance is a source of joy despite ongoing hardships.