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. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
1772
Story of the hymn Amazing Grace
Story of Amazing Grace
The hymn "Amazing Grace" was written in 1772 (pub. 1779) by John Newton, a former slave ship captain who lived a wild, sinful life.
In 1748, during a terrifying storm at sea, Newton cried out to God and was spared. This began his journey to faith. He later quit the slave trade, became a pastor, and wrote the hymn as a personal testimony of God's mercy.
Date: 1772
Amazing Grace - Details
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John Newton's Early Life and the Slave Trade
Born in London in 1725, Newton had a difficult childhood. His devout mother died when he was young, and he went to sea at age 11 with his father. He led a rebellious life,
was pressed into the Royal Navy, deserted, faced punishment, and eventually became involved in the Atlantic slave trade. He worked on slave ships, rose to captain, and participated in the brutal trafficking of enslaved Africans, an involvement he later deeply regretted.
Newton's turning point came on March 10, 1748, during a violent storm at sea aboard the ship Greyhound.
As the vessel was nearly destroyed, he cried out to God for mercy.
Though he had mocked faith before, he saw his survival as divine intervention, marking the beginning of his spiritual awakening (often called his "conversion").
However, he continued in the slave trade for several more years (until around 1754-1755, partly due to health issues), even after this experience, and invested in it afterward.
From Seafarer to Minister
After retiring from the sea, Newton studied theology and was ordained as an Anglican clergyman in 1764. He became curate in the small town of Olney, Buckinghamshire,
where he served a humble congregation of lace-makers and laborers. There, he collaborated with the poet William Cowper to write hymns for weekly prayer meetings and sermons,
a practice meant to make biblical truths accessible and memorable.
The Writing of "Amazing Grace"
In late 1772, Newton composed the poem that became "Amazing Grace" (originally titled "Faith's Review and Expectation"). It was written to accompany a New Year's Day
sermon on January 1, 1773, based on 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, a passage where King David marvels at God's grace in his life. Newton used the hymn to reflect on his own spiritual journey:
from being "lost" in sin and rebellion to being "found" through God's unmerited favor.
The original six stanzas (published in 1779 in the collection Olney Hymns) express profound gratitude:
"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."
It drew on biblical imagery (like the Prodigal Son and the healing of the blind man in John 9) and served as Newton's personal spiritual autobiography in verse.
(The familiar tune "New Britain" was paired with the lyrics much later, in 1835 in America.)
Later Life and Legacy
Newton eventually became a strong abolitionist, mentoring William Wilberforce and supporting the campaign that led to Britain's abolition of the slave trade in 1807 (the year Newton died).
He described himself in his epitaph as "once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa," transformed by God's mercy.
The hymn, initially obscure in England, exploded in popularity in the United States during the 19th century through revivals, the Civil Rights movement, gospel traditions, and countless recordings,
becoming one of the most sung and recorded songs in history.
In essence, "Amazing Grace" is a raw testimony of redemption: a man who once profited from human suffering, experienced God's overwhelming mercy, and spent his later life proclaiming that same
grace to others. Newton's words remind us that no one is beyond the reach of divine forgiveness and transformation.
Amazing Grace - Video
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Amazing Grace - Devotional
This hymn isn't just poetry; it's a testimony. It reminds us that no one is too far gone for God's reach. Whether you've wandered far, felt bound by sin, or faced countless
"dangers, toils, and snares," grace has brought you safe thus far, and grace will lead you home.
Reflection:
Take a moment today to reflect: Where has God's amazing grace broken through in your life like light piercing the clouds?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that saves wretches like us. Open our eyes anew to see Your mercy, and fill our hearts with gratitude that echoes for eternity. Lead us home by
Your unfailing love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Sing it, speak it, live it because Amazing Grace is yours today!
