Olney Hymns · Chapter
Prayer for a Revival explained
The poem is a prayer to the Savior, asking for a spiritual revival and a gracious rain of grace upon the church, which has declined from its former flourishing state.
What happens
The poem is a prayer to the Savior, asking for a spiritual revival and a gracious rain of grace upon the church, which has declined from its former flourishing state. It laments the drought of spiritual life, the fading of leaders, and the withering of younger believers, and pleads for divine intervention to restore fervor, love, and prayerfulness.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The entire poem is a prayer, expressing total dependence on God for revival and help.
Suffering and Affliction
The poem describes the affliction of spiritual drought, decline, and blighted hopes, and the suffering of the church.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Addressed as the Savior who visits and revives the plantation, the dearest Savior who can make withered plants bloom again.
- The Lord
Implored to grant rain, shine from on high, and provide help that can only come from Him.
- The Narrator
The speaker who prays for revival, observing the decline and pleading for restoration.
- The Saints
Referenced as 'old professors' and 'younger plants' who have declined or been blighted, needing revival.
Key passages
“I Saviour, visit thy plantation, Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain!”
O Savior, come and visit your church, and send us a refreshing spiritual blessing.
The opening plea for divine visitation and blessing.
“All will come to desolation Unless thou return again:”
Everything will be ruined if you do not return to us.
Expresses the dire consequence of God's absence.
“But a drought has since succeeded, And a sad decline we see;”
But a spiritual dryness has followed, and we see a sad decline.
Describes the current state of spiritual barrenness.
“Some, alas! we fear are blighted— Scarce a single leaf they show.”
Some, unfortunately, we fear are ruined, showing almost no sign of life.
Laments the spiritual condition of some former leaders.
“Dearest Saviour, hasten hither, Thou canst make them bloom again;”
Dearest Savior, come quickly, you are able to restore them to life.
A plea for Christ's restorative power.