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Olney Hymns · Chapter

Power of Prayer explained

This hymn emphasizes the power of prayer in the life of believers, who, though weak and beset by temptations and trials, find strength and deliverance through the throne of grace.

What happens

This hymn emphasizes the power of prayer in the life of believers, who, though weak and beset by temptations and trials, find strength and deliverance through the throne of grace. It recounts biblical examples of Hezekiah, Peter, and Elijah to illustrate that prayer can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and bring sudden relief, prompting praise and continued dependence on God.

Themes in this chapter

  • Prayer and Dependence on God

    The entire hymn centers on the efficacy of prayer and the believer's dependence on God for help and deliverance.

  • Divine Providence and Guidance

    God's providential care is seen in answering prayer, delivering his people, and renewing life, as exemplified in the biblical accounts.

Characters to notice

  • Hezekiah

    Hezekiah's prayer subdued the Assyrian host and renewed his life when he was diseased.

  • Peter

    Peter, though confined and chained, was brought out of prison through prevailing prayer.

  • Elijah

    Elijah prayed and it rained after three long years of drought.

Key passages

  • “Wrestling pray’r can wonders do, Bring relief in deepest straits; Pray’r can force a passage through Iron bars and brazen gates.”

    Persistent prayer can accomplish miraculous things, providing help in the most desperate situations, and can break through any obstacle, no matter how formidable.

    This stanza emphasizes the power of persistent prayer to overcome seemingly impossible barriers.

  • “Hezekiah on his knees Proud Assyria’s host subdued; And, when smitten with disease, Had his life by pray’r renew’d.”

    Hezekiah, by humbling himself in prayer, defeated the proud Assyrian army, and when he was struck with illness, his life was extended through prayer.

    This verse cites Hezekiah as an example of prayer bringing both military victory and personal healing.

  • “Peter, though confined and chain’d, Pray’r prevail’d and brought him out When Elijah pray’d it rain’d, After three long years of drought.”

    Peter, despite being imprisoned and bound, was freed through the power of prayer; similarly, Elijah's prayer ended a three-year drought.

    The hymn pairs New and Old Testament examples to show that prayer is effective in all circumstances.

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