# Prayer for Ministers explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/50-prayer-for-ministers
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters