Olney Hymns · Chapter
II: Ordinances explained
This chapter reflects on the ordinances of Christian worship, including prayer, the Lord's Day, and the Word of God.
What happens
This chapter reflects on the ordinances of Christian worship, including prayer, the Lord's Day, and the Word of God. It emphasizes the importance of these practices in nurturing faith, providing comfort, and fostering communion with God and fellow believers. The hymns express dependence on divine grace, the power of prayer, and the preciousness of Scripture, while also acknowledging the dangers of spiritual famine and the need for faithful ministry.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The chapter extensively explores the power and necessity of prayer, portraying it as a means of obtaining divine help, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining spiritual vitality.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The hymns emphasize that salvation and every blessing are gifts of grace, not earned by human merit, and that believers are equally debtors to grace.
The Vanity of Worldly Things
The chapter contrasts the enduring value of spiritual blessings with the fleeting and insufficient nature of worldly wealth and pleasures.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Central figure in the ordinances, the Lamb who is worshipped, the Shepherd who guides, and the one who died and reigns for believers.
- God
The one who answers prayer, provides grace, and is the source of all blessings; the Lord who is praised for His faithfulness.
- Satan
Mentioned as the adversary who wounds the mind and tempts believers, but who trembles at the sight of a praying saint.
- The Holy Spirit
The Spirit who breathes upon the Word, brings truth to sight, and sanctifies believers.
- Moses
Referenced in the context of prayer, where his upheld arms brought success to Israel in battle.
- David
Implied in the reference to the manna and the sanctuary, though not explicitly named; the chapter speaks of the joy of worship and the value of God's house.
Key passages
“Pray’r makes the darken’d cloud withdraw / Pray’r climbs the ladder Jacob saw”
Prayer dispels spiritual darkness and ascends to heaven, just as Jacob's ladder connected earth to heaven.
This connects prayer to the biblical vision of Jacob's ladder, symbolizing access to God.
“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 amazing things, providing deliverance in the most difficult situations and breaking through seemingly insurmountable barriers.
This emphasizes the power of fervent prayer to overcome obstacles.
“The Spirit breathes upon the word, / And brings the truth to sight; / Precepts and promises afford / A sanctifying light.”
The Holy Spirit illuminates the Scriptures, making their truths clear and their teachings and promises a source of holiness.
This highlights the role of the Spirit in understanding and applying the Bible.
“Precious Bible! what a treasure / Does the Word of God afford! / All I want for life or pleasure, / Food and med’cine, shield and sword;”
The Bible is an invaluable treasure, providing everything needed for life and joy—nourishment, healing, protection, and defense.
This extols the sufficiency of Scripture for all of life's needs.