1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
was blind, but now I see.
2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
and grace my fears relieved;
how precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed.
3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares,
I have already come;
'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
and grace will lead me home.
4. The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be,
as long as life endures.
5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.
6. When we've been there ten thousand years,
bright shining as the sun,
we've no less days to sing God's praise
than when we first begun.
Words by: John Newton; st 6 anon.
Music by: 19th cent. USA melody; harm. by Edwin O. Excell
This hymn was published in 1779 and the words were written by Anglican clergyman John Newton. It is arguably the most famous of all the folk hymns and is sung around 10 million times annually.
Video so you can sing along to Amazing Grace
Devotional Based on the Hymn "Amazing Grace"
Scripture Reference:
"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people." – Titus 2:11 (NIV)
Opening Reflection:
The hymn "Amazing Grace" is perhaps one of the most beloved and enduring songs of faith. Written by John Newton, a former slave trader turned preacher, it reflects a deep transformation—a powerful testimony of redemption, grace, and hope. The words of this hymn echo the journey of salvation: from despair and darkness to light and freedom. As we meditate on this song, we are reminded that God’s grace is not only amazing, it is transformative, offering new life to all who receive it.
Devotional Thought:
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me."
These opening lines strike at the very heart of the gospel. In these words, John Newton speaks from his own experience. He was once lost—lost in sin, lost in the pursuit of wealth, and lost in the darkness of his own heart. But grace intervened. Amazing grace. This grace wasn’t earned or deserved. It was unmerited, freely given by God. This grace saves us, no matter where we come from or how far we may have fallen.
Grace is not just a concept; it’s a living reality. In Titus 2:11, Paul writes that “the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.” The grace of God is not distant or abstract. It has appeared in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we have the opportunity to experience the full measure of God’s grace—a grace that saves, heals, and restores. Just as Newton encountered this grace and was transformed, so too can we.
Reflections on Redemption:
The second verse of "Amazing Grace" says:
"’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved."
In our journey of faith, we often encounter fear and doubt. It’s natural to question our worthiness or to wonder if God’s grace is truly for us. But this grace doesn’t leave us in our fear; it transforms it. Grace teaches us to acknowledge our need for God and brings peace to our hearts. The fear of God isn’t a fear of punishment, but a reverence for His holiness and love. When we embrace His grace, our fears are replaced with trust, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Living Out Grace:
"Amazing grace" is not just a hymn to sing, but a way of life to live. It calls us to extend grace to others, just as God has extended grace to us. It is a grace that compels us to forgive, to love, and to serve with humility. As we have been recipients of such an amazing gift, we are invited to share it with a world that desperately needs it.
In the final verse of the hymn, we are reminded of the promise that grace will carry us through every trial:
“When we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.”
Grace is eternal. It is a gift that doesn’t fade or run out, no matter how many days or years pass. In our life here and in the life to come, grace will be our constant companion, sustaining us, teaching us, and empowering us to live for God’s glory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your amazing grace, which has saved us from sin and brought us into Your wonderful light. We acknowledge that we are unworthy, yet You have lavished Your love upon us. Help us to live each day in the fullness of Your grace—extending forgiveness, showing kindness, and walking in the freedom that You’ve given us. May we never forget the depths from which You’ve rescued us, and may we always praise You for Your eternal grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Closing Thought:
As we go about our day, let us remember that "Amazing Grace" isn’t just a song—it’s the story of our lives. A story of redemption, transformation, and eternal hope. May we live as people who have been touched by grace, and may we extend that grace to others, for in doing so, we reflect the heart of the One who gave it to us.
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He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4