# Prayer for the Lord’s Promised Presence explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/76-prayer-for-the-lord-s-promised-presence
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters