John Newton

Prayer for Our Nation

Lord, while Thy judgments shake the land, Thy people’s eyes are fixed on Thee; We own Thy just uplifted hand, Which thousands cannot, will not, see.

How long hast Thou bestowed Thy care On this indulged, ungrateful spot! While other nations, far and near, Have envied and admired our lot.

Here peace and liberty have dwelt, The glorious Gospel brightly shone; And oft our enemies have felt That God has made our cause His own.

But ah! both heaven and earth have heard Our vile requital of His love;
We, whom like children He has reared, Rebels against His goodness prove.

His grace despised, His power defied, And legions of the blackest crimes, Profaneness, riot, lust, and pride, Are signs that mark the present times.

The Lord, displease, has raised His rod; Ah! where are now the faithful few Who tremble for the Ark of God, And know what Israel ought to do?

Lord, hear Thy people everywhere, Who meet to mourn, confess, and pray; The nation and Thy churches spare, And let Thy wrath be turned away.

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John Newton (1725-1807) was born in London and served for six years with his father who was a shipmaster on the Mediterranean Sea. Newton lived a life of utter disregard for God. His dissolute life led him to become involved in the African slave trade for more than 10 years, ending with a time in bondage as a slave himself! After his conversion, Newton sang the praises of God’s free grace like no other. He became a curate at Olney where he collaborated with William Cowper in the production of the Olney Hymns, which ranks high in English hymnody. He was appointed rector of St. Mary’s Woolnoth in 1779 where he remained until his death. In addition to Amazing Grace, Newton also wrote Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken, How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, and many other hymns.