This hymn, entitled “Prayer for a Blessing” by John Newton is from Part I “Seasons” of Book II of Olney Hymns and was sung “before annual sermons to young people, on New Years’ evenings.”
May God keep us near His throne of grace and may this be our prayer as we begin the new year.
Prayer for a Blessing
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Now, gracious Lord, Thine arm reveal
And make Thy glory known;
Now let us all Thy presence feel
And soften hearts of stone!
Help us to venture near Thy throne
And plead a Savior’s name;
For all that we can call our own,
Is vanity and shame.
From all the guilt of former sin
May mercy set us free;
And let the year we now begin,
Begin and end with Thee.
Send down Thy Spirit from above,
That saints may love Thee more;
And sinners now may learn to love,
Who never loved before.
And when before Thee we appear,
In our eternal home,
May growing numbers worship here,
And praise Thee in our room.
“Prayer for A Blessing”
Words by John Newton (1779)
Music by Robert Simpson (1790–1832)
Words and Music ©Public Domain
Download free sheet music (PDF) for this hymn, including a guitar chord chart, and an arrangement of the hymn tune BALERMA for classical guitar.