Olney Hymns · Character

The Lord

The guide, guard, and friend who leads the pilgrim through the desert, speaks in promises, and refuses to let any seeking soul go home unhealed.

supporting

Also known as Lord, Gracious Lord, dear Lord

First appearance: olney hymns

As a supporting figure in Olney Hymns, The Lord is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Central figure in the poems, portrayed as the source of righteousness, strength, and eternal light.

In the storyBook I: On Select Texts of ScriptureOpen this moment free

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With Jesus Christ (family): Jesus and the Lord are often interchangeable titles for the same divine being, emphasizing unity and authority. With Jesus Christ (family): Jesus and the Lord are often interchangeable titles…

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See The Lord in olney hymns

Character Web

41 connections

A slice of how The Lord sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Faith and Redemption Figures
Divine Judgment and Mercy
Patriarchs and Grace
Law and Opposition
Wisdom and Testimony

+36 more in the full Character Web

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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…

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Relationships

Jesus Christ
family · positive
Jesus and the Lord are often interchangeable titles for the same divine being,… How this plays out →
Jesus Christ
family · positive
Jesus and the Lord are often interchangeable titles for the same divine being,… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See The Lord in olney hymns

In the story

The Lord appears across 139 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book I: On Select Texts of Scripture
Central figure in the poems, portrayed as the source of righteousness, strength, and eternal light.
5: Lot in Sodom
The Lord is called upon to quicken believers' powers to flee to Him and live.
My Name Is Jacob
The one to whom the speaker pleads, who has shown mercy and upheld him through many years.
The Bitter Waters
Addressed in prayer, asked to reveal the secret of the cross's power.
Manna Hoarded
Addressed as 'Dear Lord' in the final stanza, the one who provides the manna and sustains faith.
Jehovah-Shalem—The Lord Send Peace
The source of peace and the one who prepares the believer for spiritual warfare.
Hannah; or the Throne of Grace
The Lord is the one who approves Hannah's cause and provides comfort and strength to those who approach the throne of grace.
Dagon Before the Ark
Reveals his mighty grace and repeatedly brings down the idol of self.
The Milch Kine Drawing the Ark: Faith’s Surrender of All
The Lord is depicted as the one whose will is to be obeyed and whose love deserves our all.
Another
The one who instructs his people how to choose and promises to grant their requests.
The Meal and Cruse of Oil
The one who maintains the supply and promises to feed His people.
The Borrowed Axe
The Lord of all who performs the miracle to teach that no concern is too small for His care.
Faith’s Review and Expectation
Promised good, is the shield and portion, and will be forever the believer's possession.
The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength
The Lord plants grace and makes his glories known, producing fruits of heavenly joy.
Vanity of Life
Addressed in the final stanza as the one who can wean hearts from earthly things and fix hopes on high.
The Contrite Heart
The addressee of the speaker's plea, who bestows happiness on contrite hearts and is asked to decide the speaker's spiritual state.
The Trust of the Wicked and the Righteous Compared
The object of the righteous's trust; the one who provides unfailing supply and stability.
67: Jehovah Our Righteousness
Declared as the believer's righteousness and eternal possession.
The Lord Is My Portion
The portion of the believer's soul, whose word is food and whose promise sustains.
The Covenant
The speaker who declares the covenant and assures His people of His unalterable truth.
The Power and Triumph of Faith
Described as a 'mighty shield and tower' and the source of power who guards those who trust in his name, able to tame lions and protect from fire.
The Gourd
The one who prepares the gourd, sends the worm, hears prayer, and restores the gourd.
Prayer for the Lord’s Promised Presence
The one who has promised 'I will return' and whose presence brings light and peace.
They Shall Be Mine, Saith the Lord
The Lord listens to those who fear His name and records their deeds in His book of grace.
The Sower
Referred to as 'Lord of grace and power' who blesses the field and gives the seed.
The Wheat and Tares
The all-seeing judge who discerns every heart.
The House of Prayer
The Lord is addressed as the one whose mansion is the Christian's heart and whose presence transforms it into a house of prayer.
The Blasted Fig-Tree
Rejects barren trees and sends his Spirit to enable believers to bear fruit.
108: The Believer’s Danger, Safety, and Duty
The keeper of the city, without whom our watch is in vain.
The Resurrection and the Life
Addressed as gracious Lord, asked to fulfill His promise and put forth His Spirit with the word.
Another
The Lord is addressed as the one who can decide the doubtful case and shine upon the work of grace.
Salvation Drawing Nearer
The one who wipes away tears, appoints the lot of the faithful, and is to be sought while he may be found.
My Grace Is Sufficient for Thee
The Lord responds to the speaker's desperate prayer with a word of grace and strength.
Contentment
The one to whom we turn for calm content and peace, and who appoints our daily lot.
The Word Quick and Powerful
Addressed in prayer: 'Afford us, Lord, thy light of grace, that we ourselves may see.'
Sardis
Speaker of the message to Sardis, identifying Himself as the one who holds the seven stars.
Laodicea
Referred to as the great Amen and faithful Witness, who searches hearts and ways.
New Year's Hymns
Addressed as the one who pardons sins, teaches how to live, and provides refuge and salvation.
Time How Swift
Addressed as the one who renews pardon, teaches how to live, and blesses with a Saviour's love.
Time How Short
The one who prolongs breath, sends summons, and appoints a place for the faithful.
Uncertainty of Life
Addressed in prayer for help and grace.
A New-Year’s Thought and Prayer
The Lord is addressed as gracious and merciful, asked to touch spirits and grant forgiveness.
Death and War. 1778
The Lord is portrayed as the commander of war and the protector of the faithful, who will fulfill his promises and provide refuge.
Before Annual Sermons to Young People on New-Year’s Evenings
Addressed as the gracious Lord who reveals his arm, makes his glory known, and softens hearts of stone.
Prayer for a Blessing
Addressed as 'gracious Lord' and the one whose arm and glory are sought.
Another
Addressed as 'dear Lord' in prayer, asked to bestow saving grace upon the youth.
Another
Addressed as the Shepherd of the blood-bought sheep and the one who blesses the opening year.
Casting the Gospel Net
Addressed throughout the prayer for blessing, presence, and power.
Pleading for and with Youth
Implored to give youth attentive ears and save them by His truth.
Prayer for Children
Addressed as 'Gracious Lord' and 'King of kings', implored to see the children and hide them under His wings.
The Rod of Moses
The Lord is addressed as the source of all power and the one who answers prayer and displays wonders.
The Prayer of Jabez
Addressed as the one who teaches, blesses, and guides; also referred to as Israel's God who hears prayer.
We Were Pharaoh’s Bondmen
Addressed in prayer, asked to pour out His Spirit on the youth.
Travailing in Birth for Souls
The Lord is invoked to bestow blessing on the sown seed, as He alone has the power to make it grow and bring forth a harvest.
Winter
Addressed as 'Dear Lord' in prayer, the one who controls seasons and grants grace.
Waiting for Spring
Addressed as the one who can bring spiritual spring and renewal.
Another
The divine agent of spiritual renewal, addressed as the 'Sun' whose return brings life and hope.
Hay-Time
Addressed in the final stanza as the one who helps believers obey his call and sets them free from sin.
Harvest
Addressed as the gracious Lord who secures the crop and provides kindly heat and showers.
The Close of the Year
Addressed as the guide, strength, and provider of mercies throughout the year.
Ebenezer
Acknowledged as salvation, light, guide, and strength; the one who has blessed the year and answered prayers.
Another
The object of praise and trust, who has provided care and help throughout life.
On Opening a Place for Social Prayer
Addressed as the Shepherd of His people, asked to display His presence and give hearts to pray.
Another
Implored to rend the heavens and come down, to fill the space and bless with a large increase, acknowledging his nearness and power.
The Lord’s Day
The Lord is addressed in prayer, thanked for His day, and asked to provide spiritual nourishment.
Gospel Privileges
The central figure, who dwells with His people, supports them, hears their prayers, and reveals His glory.
Another
The gracious Lord who makes His name known, adopts believers, hears their prayers, and grants His presence.
Prayer for the Continuance of the Gospel
The Lord is depicted as the one who hears cries, eases pain, and grants the request for the gospel's continuance.
A Famine of the Word
The one who sends and withholds the gospel bread, and to whom the prayer for preservation is addressed.
Prayer for Ministers
Addressed as the one who gives grace and strength to ministers.
Prayer for a Revival
Implored to grant rain, shine from on high, and provide help that can only come from Him.
Jesus Hasting to Suffer
Addressed in the poem as the one who receives the believer's offering of praise and whose bleeding glories are contemplated.
It Is Good to Be Here
The one who accepts the believer's surrendered life and claims the whole soul.
On the Commencement of Hostilities in America
The Lord is portrayed as the sovereign judge who sends the storm of war and who alone can withhold vengeance.
Fast Day Hymns
The ever-present Friend and protector who is near to those who love His name.
Confession and Prayer. Dec. 13, 1776
The one who has raised his rod in displeasure and to whom the people cry for mercy.
On the Earthquake. Sept. 8, 1775
The Maker whose look causes the earth to tremble; the Judge who will come down; the Shepherd who shelters the faithful.
On the Fire at Olney. Sept. 22, 1777
The one who gives sleep and protection, and who sent the fire as a rebuke for sin.
At Parting
Present with all who love His name, always near, and the ever-present Friend.
There the Weary Are at Rest
The speaker cries out to the Lord in weariness and relies on His promise.
Thunder
Addressed in prayer, asking for mercy to touch stubborn hearts.
Lightning in the Night
The source of the gracious glance and the coming great day of eternal light.
On the Eclipse of the Moon. July 30, 1776
The speaker addresses the Lord, asking for assistance to learn from the eclipse and praising His will and faithfulness.
The Spider and Bee
Addressed in the final stanza as the one whose word of life and love can become a means of death unless grace renews hearts.
The Tamed Lion
The one who preserves and feeds man, yet is resisted by his rebellious will.
Sheep
Addressed as 'Dear Lord' in the final stanza, expressing personal trust and devotion.
For a Garden-Seat or Summer-House
Present in the consecrated spot, guarding and guiding the believer to the skies.
The Enchantment Dissolved
Breaks the charm and reveals His arm
Prepare to Meet God
The Lord is the one whose arm is bared and whose presence shakes nature; He is the Judge who will execute judgment.
8: The Shining Light
Implied as the source of the 'friendly whisper' and the 'beam of day' that guides and saves.
The Waiting Soul
The object of the soul's desire and the one who will eventually call the exile home.
The Effort
Addressed as refuge and hiding-place, the one who gives faith.
Light Shining Out of Darkness
Implied as the one who hides a smiling face behind a frowning providence and is the interpreter of His own work.
Afflictions Sanctified by the Word
The speaker addresses God as 'Lord' and credits Him with guiding, chastening, and saving.
Temptation
Implored to act as pilot, guide, and guardian through the storm, and to command the waves to be still.
The Valley of the Shadow of Death
The Lord is addressed as the one who can see the enemies, heal wounds, and chase away the hostile forces.
Peace After a Storm
The Lord's look subdues the disobedient will and drives away doubt and discontent.
Mourning and Longing
The Lord is the object of the speaker's longing, whose face is hidden and whose presence is sought.
Self-Acquaintance
Addressed as 'Dear Lord' in prayer, the recipient of the confession and plea for cleansing.
Prayer for Patience
The one who rebukes and disciplines, and to whom the speaker prays for patience.
Submission
The speaker addresses God, asking for help to resign to His will and acknowledging His gracious hand.
Return, O Lord, How Long?
The speaker's source of joy and peace, whose absence causes distress.
The Benighted Traveler
Addressed in the final stanza as 'Gracious Lord', implored to afford light and save the speaker.
Perplexity Relieved
The Lord relieves the speaker's burden, discloses the evils of their heart, and ultimately brings aid, instructing them to trust simply on His word.
Prayer Answered by Crosses
The one who taught the speaker to pray and answers prayer through inward trials and afflictions.
I Will Trust and Not Be Afraid
The one who has provided in the past and will not leave the believer to sink.
Why Art Thou Cast Down?
Addressed as the guide and provider who has brought the believer safely thus far and promises ultimate victory.
The Pilgrim's Song
Addressed in prayer, asking pardon for complaints and acknowledging His call.
Retirement
Addressed as the refuge from the world and the source of peace and grace.
Joy and Peace in Believing
The source of light and healing, who brings comfort and joy to the believer.
Lively Hope and Gracious Fear
The Lord of the promised land, who has promised it to the speaker.
Peace Restored
The gracious speaker whose word cheers the drooping heart and restores peace.
Old Things Are Passed Away
The one who has fixed the speaker's heart and is the object of their devotion.
The Power of Grace
The one who raises the dead, softens hearts of stone, and enables the formerly defiant to praise.
Love Constraining to Obedience
The one to be served aright and to whom the believer now renders gratitude.
The Heart Healed and Changed by Mercy
The one whom the speaker feared and sought as friend, and who ultimately speaks the word that removes sins.
Hatred of Sin
Addresses God as 'Holy Lord God' and expresses love for His truth.
The Child
Addressed as the one who quiets the froward heart and provides daily care.
True Happiness
The one who is to reign alone over the narrator's heart and will; the object of complete surrender.
True and False Zeal
Addressed in prayer as 'Dear Lord,' asking to dethrone the idol self and purify zeal.
A Living and a Dead Faith
The Lord receives praise from humble and sincere hearts, not from loud professors.
Abuse of the Gospel
Addressed directly as the one whose grace is abused and whose book displays a gracious light.
Dependence
The one who supplies the living stream of grace.
Are There Few That Shall Be Saved?
Addressed in the final stanza, asked to open sinners' eyes and make them flee to Him for safety.
Praise for Redeeming Love
Our strong salvation who holds in view the conqueror's crown.
I Will Praise the Lord at All Times
The object of praise, whose attributes are reflected in nature.
Perseverance
The one who makes the believer's cause His own and is the object of rejoicing.
Reigning Grace
The Lord is the one who reveals his face and teaches believers to sing of his reigning grace.
Short Hymns
Invoked as the one who invites the hungry and thirsty, and who provides spiritual food.
Before Sermon
Addressed as the provider of spiritual food and the one who inspires the preacher.
Chapter 89
Addressed as the provider and host of the spiritual feast.
Chapter 90
Addressed as the source of inspiration and strength for preaching and walking in wisdom.
Chapter 91
The one whose promise and command brought the speaker to this place, and from whom a word of peace is sought.
Hungry and Faint and Poor
The one to whom the prayer is addressed, who invites the needy and provides spiritual food.
Psalm 106:4–5
Addressed as the one who remembers and grants salvation.
Chapter 95
Addressed as the source of grace and blessing; without His presence, all means are in vain.
Habakkuk 3:17–18
The Lord is described as unchanging and the source of eternal hope.
Chapter 98
Referred to as the Saviour and Lord.
Deuteronomy 32:9–10
Finds His people in a barren land, leads and guides them by His hand, and bears them safe from foes.

Chapter companion notes

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See The Lord in olney hymns

See The Lord in Book I: On Select Texts of Scripture