LBW #448, "Amazing Grace"
Devotion
Most of you are familiar with the story of the man who wrote the words to this song. His name was John Newton. Newton was a slave trader who experienced God's "amazing grace" and became an ordained minister.
The tune is an American melody from Carrell and Clayton's Virginia Harmony of 1831. The words and the tune have become universal. The words speak for John Newton, for the audience of the Psalmist in Psalm 126, for Bartimaeus in the 10th chapter of Mark and for all humankind.
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.
The Lord has promised good to me;
His Word my hope secures:
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.
Prayer
God of all grace, as we open ourselves to that never failing grace, let your promise live in our hearts and minds now and forever. Amen.