# Prayer and Dependence on God in Olney Hymns

> Theme guide for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [Walking with God](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/3-walking-with-god): The entire poem is a prayer, expressing dependence on God for renewal, forgiveness, and the strength to overcome idols.
- [My Name Is Jacob](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-my-name-is-jacob): The speaker's persistent prayer and refusal to let go of God until he receives a blessing.
- [Manna Hoarded](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/16-manna-hoarded): The poem concludes with a prayer for God to give the manna, highlighting the believer's ongoing dependence on God for spiritual life.
- [Gibeon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/21-gibeon): The narrator cries out to the Lord in distress, acknowledging weakness and dependence on divine help.
- [Hannah; or the Throne of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/25-hannah-or-the-throne-of-grace): The poem emphasizes approaching the throne of grace in prayer as the source of relief and strength.
- [Ask What I Shall Give Thee](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/31-ask-what-i-shall-give-thee): The entire hymn is a prayer, encouraging the soul to bring large petitions to the King, trusting in His willingness to answer.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/32-another): The poem centers on the proper posture of prayer, recognizing that God must first teach us to ask aright.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/33-another): The entire poem is a prayer, urging boldness in approaching God and dependence on his provision.
- [More with Us Than with Them](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-more-with-us-than-with-them): The prophet's prayer is central to revealing the heavenly host, and the saints' prayers support the believer.
- [Oh That I Were as in Months Past!](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/43-oh-that-i-were-as-in-months-past): The speaker's prayers, though now felt as mere noise, are directed to God, and the final plea is for God's mercy.
- [The Change](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/44-the-change): The speaker pleads for God to hear and return, acknowledging that God taught his heart to pray, and expresses dependence on divine grace.
- [Pleading for Mercy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/45-pleading-for-mercy): The entire chapter is a prayer for mercy, relief, and salvation, demonstrating a complete dependence on God's intervention.
- [What Shall I Render?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/50-what-shall-i-render): The narrator resolves to take the cup of salvation and call upon God, drawing a plea from God's gifts to ask for more.
- [The Contrite Heart](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/64-the-contrite-heart): The speaker's entire poem is a prayer, expressing dependence on God to break or heal the heart, and to renew strength.
- [The Covenant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/71-the-covenant): God promises to put a praying spirit in the hearts of His people, showing that prayer is a gift from Him.
- [Prayer for the Lord’s Promised Presence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/76-prayer-for-the-lord-s-promised-presence): The entire hymn is a prayer for the Lord's presence, expressing dependence on Him for peace, protection, and joy.
- [The Beggar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/81-the-beggar): The entire poem is a prayer of a beggar, emphasizing total dependence on God's mercy and the necessity of persistent prayer.
- [The Woman of Canaan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/88-the-woman-of-canaan): The chapter illustrates the importance of persevering prayer and dependence on God's grace, as the woman's plea is eventually answered.
- [The Ruler's Daughter Raised](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/93-the-ruler-s-daughter-raised): The poem teaches that prayer is often our last resort, but it is the only true source of help when all human means fail.
- [The House of Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/96-the-house-of-prayer): The poem contrasts the heart as a 'den of thieves' with the ideal of a 'house of prayer,' highlighting the need for God's presence to enable true communion.
- [The Importunate Widow](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/106-the-importunate-widow): The chapter emphasizes the necessity of persistent prayer and the assurance that God hears his chosen ones, even when he seems to delay.
- [108: The Believer’s Danger, Safety, and Duty](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/108-the-believer-s-danger-safety-and-duty): Christ's intercessory prayer secures faith, and believers are called to watch and pray, acknowledging that without the Lord's keeping, all efforts are in vain.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/119-another): The poem is itself a prayer, expressing dependence on God to decide the state of the soul and to begin or increase grace.
- [Peter Released from Prison](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/122-peter-released-from-prison): The hymn emphasizes that fervent, persevering prayer is the assured resource of faith and can overcome any obstacle.
- [Book II: On Occasional Subjects](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/book-ii-on-occasional-subjects): The chapter extensively explores the power and necessity of prayer, with examples from Moses, Hezekiah, Peter, and Elijah, and encourages believers to rely on God through prayer.
- [I: Seasons](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/i-seasons): The hymns are filled with prayers for mercy, renewal, and spiritual growth, acknowledging dependence on God's power and promises.
- [Death and War. 1778](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/5-death-and-war-1778): The poem concludes with a prayer for the youth, asking the Lord to teach them saving truth and be their refuge, demonstrating dependence on God.
- [Before Annual Sermons to Young People on New-Year’s Evenings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/before-annual-sermons-to-young-people-on-new-year-s-evenings): The hymns are largely prayers for blessing, grace, and revival, emphasizing dependence on God's power and mercy.
- [Prayer for a Blessing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/7-prayer-for-a-blessing): The entire hymn is a prayer for God's blessing, presence, and mercy.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/9-another): The entire hymn is a prayer, emphasizing the necessity of fervent prayer to bring down gracious answers from the throne.
- [Casting the Gospel Net](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-casting-the-gospel-net): The entire hymn is a prayer for God's help, presence, and power in the new year.
- [Pleading for and with Youth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/11-pleading-for-and-with-youth): The entire hymn is a prayer for the youth, expressing dependence on God to save and alarm them.
- [Prayer for Children](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/12-prayer-for-children): The entire poem is a prayer, pleading for God's mercy and protection for children, and relying on the blood of Christ.
- [Elijah's Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/14-elijah-s-prayer): Elijah's prayer is the central act, demonstrating reliance on God to prove His sovereignty and answer with fire.
- [The Rod of Moses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/16-the-rod-of-moses): The poem is a prayer for God's help in ministry, for the conversion of sinners, and for the blessing of the youth, showing complete dependence on God.
- [A Prayer for Power on the Means of Grace](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/18-a-prayer-for-power-on-the-means-of-grace): The entire hymn is a prayer acknowledging total dependence on God for the effectiveness of the means of grace.
- [David’s Charge to Solomon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/20-david-s-charge-to-solomon): The entire hymn is a prayer, pleading for God's presence, guidance, and blessing on the children and the place of worship.
- [The Prayer of Jabez](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/22-the-prayer-of-jabez): The entire hymn is a prayer modeled after Jabez, emphasizing the believer's dependence on God for mercy, guidance, and protection.
- [Travailing in Birth for Souls](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/26-travailing-in-birth-for-souls): The poem emphasizes the preacher's continual prayer and striving, and concludes with a prayer for God's blessing, acknowledging that only God can give the increase.
- [Winter](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/30-winter): The speaker responds to spiritual desolation with humble prayer and patient faith, trusting in God's promise.
- [Saturday Evening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/40-saturday-evening): The entire hymn is a prayer seeking blessing, pardon, grace, and God's presence, demonstrating a complete dependence on Him.
- [The Close of the Year](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/the-close-of-the-year): The lyrics express reliance on God for help, answered prayers, and casting future cares upon Him.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/42-another): The speaker casts cares upon the Lord and asks for help to praise and trust.
- [II: Ordinances](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/ii-ordinances): The chapter extensively explores the power and necessity of prayer, portraying it as a means of obtaining divine help, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining spiritual vitality.
- [On Opening a Place for Social Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/43-on-opening-a-place-for-social-prayer): The entire hymn is a prayer, expressing dependence on God for inspiration, presence, and blessing in the new place of worship.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/44-another): The hymn highlights the power of prayer to strengthen faith, sweeten care, and bring heaven before the eyes of believers.
- [The Lord’s Day](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/45-the-lord-s-day): The hymn is a prayer of thanksgiving and petition, acknowledging dependence on God for spiritual blessings.
- [Another](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/47-another): The power of united prayer is highlighted, and the believer's dependence on God for help and comfort is emphasized.
- [Prayer for the Continuance of the Gospel](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/48-prayer-for-the-continuance-of-the-gospel): The chapter centers on the community's prayer for the continuance of the gospel and their dependence on God to hear and answer their cries.
- [A Famine of the Word](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/49-a-famine-of-the-word): The poem concludes with a prayer for preservation from a famine of the word, showing dependence on God's mercy.
- [Prayer for Ministers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/50-prayer-for-ministers): The entire poem is a prayer for ministers, acknowledging their need for divine grace and strength.
- [Prayer for a Revival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/51-prayer-for-a-revival): The entire poem is a prayer, expressing total dependence on God for revival and help.
- [Hoping for a Revival](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/52-hoping-for-a-revival): The speaker is encouraged to wrestle at the throne of grace and to rely on God's love and power, highlighting the importance of persistent prayer.
- [On Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/on-prayer): The chapter is entirely devoted to the practice and power of prayer, highlighting it as the means to access divine help and strength.
- [Exhortation to Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/60-exhortation-to-prayer): The entire poem is an exhortation to prayer, emphasizing its necessity and power in the believer's life.
- [Power of Prayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/61-power-of-prayer): The entire hymn centers on the efficacy of prayer and the believer's dependence on God for help and deliverance.
- [On the Commencement of Hostilities in America](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/64-on-the-commencement-of-hostilities-in-america): The saints are urged to unite in wrestling prayer, hoping that mercy may yet spare the nation.
- [Fast Day Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/fast-day-hymns): The hymns emphasize the necessity of prayer for national deliverance and personal safety, as seen in Moses' intercession and the call to 'weep and mourn and pray.'
- [Confession and Prayer. Dec. 13, 1776](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/65-confession-and-prayer-dec-13-1776): The entire hymn is a prayer for mercy and forgiveness, acknowledging dependence on God's grace.
- [Moses and Amalek](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/66-moses-and-amalek): The poem emphasizes that victory comes through prayer, not military strength.
- [On the Fire at Olney. Sept. 22, 1777](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/69-on-the-fire-at-olney-sept-22-1777): The poem emphasizes that prayer prevailed and saved the town, highlighting the power of the praying few.
- [At Parting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/71-at-parting): The hymn is a prayer for safety, strength, and future reunion, expressing dependence on God's mercy and care.
- [The Sea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/87-the-sea): The speaker's cry 'Lord, save me, or I sink' exemplifies dependence on God in times of trouble.
- [II: Seeking, Pleading, and Hoping](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/ii-seeking-pleading-and-hoping): The speakers repeatedly turn to prayer, pleading for mercy and relying on God's promises, as seen in 'Seeking the Beloved' and 'Rest for Weary Souls.'
- [Encouragement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/9-encouragement): The soul's only recourse is to cry out to Christ, who answers prayer; the examples of the thief and Manasseh show that prayer for mercy is met with forgiveness.
- [The Waiting Soul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/10-the-waiting-soul): The soul's persistent prayer and humble waiting at mercy's door exemplify a complete dependence on God's grace.
- [The Effort](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/11-the-effort): The speaker approaches the mercy-seat in prayer, pleading God's promise and seeking rest and refuge.
- [The Effort-in Another Measure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/12-the-effort-in-another-measure): The entire poem is a prayer, approaching the mercy-seat with humility and pleading God's promise.
- [Welcome Cross](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/16-welcome-cross): Trials give new life to prayer and bring the believer to God's feet in humility.
- [Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/18-temptation): The speaker cries out to the Lord from the depths, acknowledging weakness and relying wholly on divine care and protection.
- [Looking Upwards in a Storm](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/19-looking-upwards-in-a-storm): The entire hymn is a prayer, expressing total reliance on God in the midst of affliction.
- [The Valley of the Shadow of Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/20-the-valley-of-the-shadow-of-death): The speaker cries out to the Lord for help, acknowledging their need for divine intervention to overcome the enemy.
- [Mourning and Longing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/24-mourning-and-longing): The speaker expresses dependence on God for grace and answers to prayer, even in a season of spiritual dryness.
- [Rejoice the Soul of Thy Servant](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/25-rejoice-the-soul-of-thy-servant): The speaker struggles with prayer but pleads for willingness to ask, recognizing God's readiness to give.
- [Bitter and Sweet](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/27-bitter-and-sweet): The centrality of the mercy-seat and the struggle to pray amidst distractions.
- [Prayer for Patience](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/28-prayer-for-patience): The entire poem is a prayer to the Lord for patience and grace to endure trials without complaint.
- [Submission](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/29-submission): The entire poem is a prayer, expressing dependence on God for strength and guidance.
- [Return, O Lord, How Long?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/31-return-o-lord-how-long): The poem is a direct prayer to God, expressing dependence on His presence for joy and protection.
- [The Prisoner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/34-the-prisoner): The poem is a direct prayer to the Saviour, pleading for mercy and intervention to break the bonds of unbelief and restore freedom.
- [Prayer Answered by Crosses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/36-prayer-answered-by-crosses): The speaker's prayer for growth is answered, but in a way that teaches deeper dependence on God rather than immediate comfort.
- [Retirement](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/45-retirement): The poem highlights the importance of prayer and praise in a quiet retreat, and the speaker's total dependence on God as the author and guardian of life.
- [The Hidden Life](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/47-the-hidden-life): The poem opens with the pleasing task of telling the Saviour all wants, highlighting the believer's dependence on God in prayer.
- [True Pleasure](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/49-true-pleasure): The poem is a prayerful expression of the soul's dependence on God for joy and increase of comforts.
- [The Child](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/65-the-child): The poem is a direct prayer to God, expressing dependence on Him for daily needs and future guidance.
- [Dependence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/74-dependence): The believer is encouraged to retreat beneath God's wings and confide in his grace, acknowledging total dependence.
- [The Sluggard](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/78-the-sluggard): The poem ends with a prayer for Christ's power to overcome spiritual sloth.
- [Short Hymns](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/viii-short-hymns): The hymns are prayers for divine assistance, blessing, and provision, highlighting the believer's total dependence on God.
- [Before Sermon](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/before-sermon): The entire chapter is a prayer for spiritual nourishment, guidance, and blessing, highlighting the congregation's reliance on God.
- [Chapter 89](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/89): The chapter is a prayer asking God to feed and satisfy the believers.
- [Chapter 90](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/90): The chapter is a direct prayer to the Lord for inspiration, teaching, and provision of light and power.
- [Chapter 91](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/91): The chapter is a direct prayer, expressing dependence on God's promise, command, and word.
- [Hungry and Faint and Poor](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/92): The entire hymn is a prayer of dependence, acknowledging that without God's provision, they would starve.
- [Psalm 106:4–5](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/93-psalm-106-4-5): The entire chapter is a prayer, expressing dependence on God for salvation and joy.
- [Chapter 95](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/95): The chapter emphasizes that without God's presence and blessing, all outward means are ineffective, highlighting dependence on Him.
- [Chapter 102](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/102): The entire chapter is a prayer for divine peace and blessing, demonstrating a posture of dependence on God.
- [Chapter 103](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/103): The entire chapter is a prayer, acknowledging God's knowledge of our needs and our dependence on His power and pardon.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/themes/prayer_and_dependence_on_god
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/olney_hymns_se/themes