Olney Hymns · Chapter
On Prayer explained
This chapter presents two hymns on the subject of prayer, emphasizing its power, necessity, and the hindrances believers face.
What happens
This chapter presents two hymns on the subject of prayer, emphasizing its power, necessity, and the hindrances believers face. The first hymn, 'Exhortation to Prayer' by Cowper, encourages constant prayer, describing it as a means to dispel clouds, climb Jacob's ladder, and strengthen faith, while noting that Satan trembles at a praying saint. The second hymn, 'Power of Prayer' by Newton, affirms that prayer brings divine help, citing examples like Hezekiah, Peter, and Elijah, and concludes with praise for answered prayers.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The chapter is entirely devoted to the practice and power of prayer, highlighting it as the means to access divine help and strength.
Spiritual Warfare
Prayer is depicted as a weapon in spiritual battle: 'Pray’r makes the Christian’s armour bright' and 'Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.'
Characters to notice
- Pray'r
Personified as a powerful force that climbs Jacob's ladder, brings blessings, and can force passage through iron bars.
- Satan
Trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees.
- Moses
His outstretched arms during battle symbolize the power of prayer; when he grew weary, Amalek prevailed.
- Hezekiah
On his knees, he subdued Assyria and had his life renewed through prayer.
- Peter
Though confined and chained, prayer prevailed and brought him out.
- Elijah
Prayed and it rained after three years of drought.
Key passages
“Pray’r climbs the ladder Jacob saw”
Prayer ascends to heaven just as Jacob's ladder connected earth to heaven.
Allusion to Jacob's ladder vision, symbolizing the connection between earth and heaven through prayer.
“While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Success was found on Isr’el’s side; But when through weariness they fail’d, That moment Amalek prevail’d.”
When Moses kept his hands raised in prayer, Israel won; when he grew tired and lowered them, Amalek began to win.
Reference to the battle against Amalek, illustrating the power of persistent prayer.
“Hezekiah on his knees Proud Assyria’s host subdued; And, when smitten with disease, Had his life by pray’r renew’d.”
Hezekiah's prayer defeated the Assyrian army and also healed him from illness.
Citing Hezekiah's example of prayer bringing both military victory and personal healing.
“Peter, though confined and chain’d, Pray’r prevail’d and brought him out”
Even though Peter was in prison and chained, prayer led to his miraculous release.
Reference to Peter's deliverance from prison, showing prayer's power to overcome physical constraints.
“When Elijah pray’d it rain’d, After three long years of drought.”
Elijah's prayer brought rain after a three-year drought.
Elijah's prayer ended the drought, demonstrating prayer's power over natural circumstances.