Prayers and Praises for the New Year
“As a preacher, Newton had a very clear goal: ‘To preach what I ought and to be what I preach.’”
― John Snyder, Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty
John Newton (1725-1807) began as a captain of slave ships. But when he converted to Christianity, he became an outspoken abolitionist, pastor, and hymnist. He wrote many familiar hymns, such as, “Amazing Grace” and “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken”.
While many people today have heard and even sung the hymn, “Amazing Grace”, fewer may know that it was originally written as a new year’s hymn for Newton’s church. Originally entitled “Faith’s Review and Expectation”, Newton based this hymn on 1 Chronicles 17:16–17 and sang it with his church on New Year’s Day, 1773. We encourage you to take a moment to read the original text below and meditate on how these prayers and praises may become your own at the turn of the year.
Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And this was a small thing in your eyes, O God. You have also spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have shown me future generations, O Lord God!
1 Chronicles 17:16–17
Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The LORD has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.