# How does Olney Hymns develop the theme of Prayer and Dependence on God?

> Olney Hymns by John Newton

## Answer

Olney Hymns by John Newton develops Prayer and Dependence on God across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Prayer is portrayed as a vital, powerful practice that brings divine help, relief, and blessings, and is a key expression of the believer's dependence on God.

The entire poem is a prayer, expressing dependence on God for renewal, forgiveness, and the strength to overcome idols.

The speaker's persistent prayer and refusal to let go of God until he receives a blessing.

The poem concludes with a prayer for God to give the manna, highlighting the believer's ongoing dependence on God for spiritual life.

## Evidence

- [3-walking-with-god](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/3-walking-with-god.md): The entire poem is a prayer, expressing dependence on God for renewal, forgiveness, and the strength to overcome idols.
- [10-my-name-is-jacob](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-my-name-is-jacob.md): The speaker's persistent prayer and refusal to let go of God until he receives a blessing.
- [16-manna-hoarded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/16-manna-hoarded.md): The poem concludes with a prayer for God to give the manna, highlighting the believer's ongoing dependence on God for spiritual life.
- [21-gibeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/21-gibeon.md): The narrator cries out to the Lord in distress, acknowledging weakness and dependence on divine help.
- [25-hannah-or-the-throne-of-grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/25-hannah-or-the-throne-of-grace.md): The poem emphasizes approaching the throne of grace in prayer as the source of relief and strength.
- [31-ask-what-i-shall-give-thee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/31-ask-what-i-shall-give-thee.md): The entire hymn is a prayer, encouraging the soul to bring large petitions to the King, trusting in His willingness to answer.
- [32-another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/32-another.md): The poem centers on the proper posture of prayer, recognizing that God must first teach us to ask aright.
- [33-another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/33-another.md): The entire poem is a prayer, urging boldness in approaching God and dependence on his provision.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/questions/how-prayer-and-dependence-on-god
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All questions: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/questions
