Olney Hymns · Chapter
Prayer for Ministers explained
A prayer for ministers, asking the Chief Shepherd to guide and equip under-shepherds with grace, compassion, and faithfulness, and to protect them from worldly temptations that would corrupt their ministry.
What happens
A prayer for ministers, asking the Chief Shepherd to guide and equip under-shepherds with grace, compassion, and faithfulness, and to protect them from worldly temptations that would corrupt their ministry.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The entire poem is a prayer for ministers, acknowledging their need for divine grace and strength.
Spiritual Warfare
Warns of the sword of God against unfaithful shepherds and the spiritual dangers of worldly temptations.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Referred to as the Chief Shepherd of the chosen sheep.
- The Lord
Addressed as the one who gives grace and strength to ministers.
- The Saints
The sheep whom Jesus loves, cared for by under-shepherds.
Key passages
“I Chief Shepherd of thy chosen sheep, From death and sin set free; May every under shepherd keep His eye intent on thee!”
O Chief Shepherd who has freed your chosen sheep from death and sin, may every minister keep their focus on you.
Opening invocation for ministerial faithfulness.
“VI The sword of God shall break his arm, A blast shall blind his eye; His word shall have no power to warm, His gifts shall all grow dry.”
God's judgment will weaken and blind the unfaithful minister, making his preaching ineffective and his gifts barren.
Warning of divine punishment for those who neglect their flock.