# The House of Prayer explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

The poem reflects on the Christian heart as a temple for God, which is besieged by sin, Satan, and worldly distractions that steal joy and hinder true worship. The speaker longs for God's presence to transform this 'den of thieves' into a 'house of prayer,' acknowledging that all good things belong to God and offering them back in humble adoration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Prayer and Dependence on God

The poem contrasts the heart as a 'den of thieves' with the ideal of a 'house of prayer,' highlighting the need for God's presence to enable true communion.

### Spiritual Warfare

The believer's heart is depicted as a battleground where sin, Satan, and the world contend against God's rule, requiring divine intervention.

## Character check-ins

### The Lord

The Lord is addressed as the one whose mansion is the Christian's heart and whose presence transforms it into a house of prayer.

### Sin

Sin is personified as part of a 'thievish swarm' that steals joy and robs Christ of praise.

### Satan

Satan is mentioned as one of the forces that maintain a 'sharp designing trade' in the heart, tempting the believer.

### The Narrator

The speaker expresses personal struggle against indwelling sin and longs for God's presence to bring peace and purity.

## Key lines

> Thy mansion is the Christian’s heart, O Lord, thy dwelling-place secure!

The Christian's heart is the place where the Lord chooses to dwell, a secure home for Him.

_The opening line establishes the heart as God's temple, a theme developed throughout the poem._

> They steal away my joys from me, And rob my Saviour of his praise.

These intruders take away my happiness and prevent me from giving Christ the glory He deserves.

_The 'thievish swarm' represents sin and worldly distractions that undermine spiritual joy and worship._

> Thy presence makes this den of thieves A calm delightful house of prayer.

When You are present, this place of corruption becomes a peaceful and joyful place of worship.

_The transformation from 'den of thieves' to 'house of prayer' is accomplished solely by God's presence._

> The gold and silver are not mine— I give thee what was thine before.

All my possessions and abilities are not truly mine; I am only returning to You what already belongs to You.

_The closing lines express humility and the recognition that everything we have is a gift from God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/96-the-house-of-prayer
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters