Olney Hymns · Chapter
Prayer for the Lord’s Promised Presence explained
The chapter is a prayerful hymn expressing the believer's longing for the Lord's presence, based on Zechariah 2:10.
What happens
The chapter is a prayerful hymn expressing the believer's longing for the Lord's presence, based on Zechariah 2:10. It pleads for the fulfillment of God's promise to return, compares the soul's yearning to a mother waiting for her absent son, and anticipates the peace, blessing, and protection that come when the Lord is near. The hymn ends with a commitment to daily devotion and nightly joy in the thought of such a friend.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The entire hymn is a prayer for the Lord's presence, expressing dependence on Him for peace, protection, and joy.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
The longing for the Lord's return and the promise of His presence point to the ultimate hope of eternal communion with God.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Addressed as the Son of God and gracious leader, whose promised return is eagerly awaited.
- The Lord
The one who has promised 'I will return' and whose presence brings light and peace.
- Satan
Mentioned as a source of rage that the believer need not fear when the Lord is near.
- The Saints
The people of God who long for the Lord's presence and pray for His return.
Key passages
“Son of God, thy people shield! Must we still thine absence mourn? Let thy promise be fulfill’d, Thou hast said, “I will return!””
O Son of God, protect your people! We are sad because you seem far away. Please keep your promise, for you said you would come back.
The opening stanza pleads for the fulfillment of Christ's promise to return.
“As a mother counts the days Till her absent son she see, Longs and watches, weeps and prays, So our spirits long for thee.”
Just as a mother eagerly counts the days until she sees her absent son, weeping and praying, so our souls yearn for you.
The simile expresses intense longing for the Lord's presence.
“Come and let us feel thee nigh, Then thy sheep shall feed in peace; Plenty bless us from on high, Evil from amongst us cease.”
Come and let us sense that you are near; then your people will be at peace, you will bless us abundantly, and evil will disappear from among us.
The stanza connects the Lord's presence with peace, blessing, and the removal of evil.
“With thy love and voice and aid, Thou canst every care assuage; Then we shall not be afraid, Though the world and Satan rage.”
With your love, your word, and your help, you can calm every worry; then we will not fear even when the world and Satan are furious.
The believer's confidence in God's power to soothe fears despite opposition.