Fervent Praise

The smoke of the incense, mixed with the prayers of God’s holy people, ascended up to God from the altar where the angel had poured them out.—Revelation 8:4 NLT

John Newton may be best known as the composer of “Amazing Grace,” but he also wrote many other hymns. One particularly reflected the way he approached a new year.

Called “Now May Fervent Prayer Arise,” this hymn is a call to prayer, taking the form of a prayer. He focused on the importance of prayer for believers, praying that God would bless His people with power and protection. He also prayed that we would be more willing to serve God.

He prayed that fervent prayer would “arise winged with faith” and “bring us down gracious answers from the throne.” We should be committed to prayer.

Newton realized the importance of believers staying sensitive. Prayer helps believers be more pliable and compassionate. God will “teach the stony heart to weep; let the blind have eyes to see, see themselves, and look on Thee!”

Concerned for young people, Newton wrote, “Let the minds of all our youth feel the force of sacred truth.” He prayed they would mature and become conscious of the dangers of sin.

He prayed God would give His people strength to run the race, scatter darkness, doubts, and fears, and wipe away every tear. Newton prayed that God would bless all people, both old and young, and fill them with praise.

Ask God to help you make this a year of prayer. Seek God.

Reflection Question: Write a prayer asking God to help grow your prayer life this coming year.