Olney Hymns · Chapter
Chapter 90 explained
A prayer for divine inspiration and empowerment for preaching, asking the Lord to teach the preacher's tongue, provide spiritual nourishment to the hungry, and strengthen the weak.
What happens
A prayer for divine inspiration and empowerment for preaching, asking the Lord to teach the preacher's tongue, provide spiritual nourishment to the hungry, and strengthen the weak. The chapter also petitions for light and power to walk in wisdom's ways, so that the benefit may be ours and the praise given to God.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional peak occurs in stanza V, where the speaker’s hope is violently extinguished as Satan obscures ev…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Prayer and Dependence on God
The chapter is a direct prayer to the Lord for inspiration, teaching, and provision of light and power.
- Divine Providence and Guidance
Asking for the Lord to inspire, teach, and furnish light and power to walk in wisdom's ways.
Characters to notice
- The Lord
Addressed as the source of inspiration and strength for preaching and walking in wisdom.
- The Narrator
The speaker who prays for divine assistance and acknowledges God's role in giving benefit and receiving praise.
Key passages
“Now, Lord, inspire the preacher’s heart, And teach his tongue to speak;”
Lord, please fill the preacher's heart with inspiration and guide his words.
A plea for divine enablement in preaching.
“Food to the hungry soul impart, And cordials to the weak.”
Give spiritual nourishment to those who are hungry and comfort to those who are weak.
Request for spiritual sustenance and strength for the needy.
“Furnish us all with light and pow’rs To walk in wisdom’s ways;”
Provide us with enlightenment and ability to live according to wisdom.
Petition for guidance and strength to follow wise living.
“So shall the benefit be ours, And thou shalt have the praise.”
Then we will receive the benefit, and you will receive the glory.
Acknowledgment that blessings come from God and He deserves the praise.
