Amazing Grace Is What We Need

Composed probably between 1760 and 1770 in Olney, "Amazing Grace" was possibly one of the hymns written by John Newton for a weekly service. Through the years, other writers have composed additional verses to the hymn which came to be known as “Amazing Grace.” In the Olney Hymns, it was not entitled as such. These six stanzas appeared in both the first edition in 1779 and the 1808 edition, the one nearest the date of Newton’s death. The origin of the melody is unknown. Most hymnals attribute it to an early American folk melody. The Bill Moyers special on “Amazing Grace” speculated that it may have originated as the tune of a song the slaves sang in slave ships as they were transported in chains, against their will, to God Knows What.

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.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon to ruin go,
The sun refuse to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

I truly hope that all the despairing people on this earth, who will never see justice done to humankind because of greed, selfishness, violence, and evil, will have their reward in the next life. I truly hope that grace (love) leads us all home.