SONG SPOTLIGHT
Lyrics
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
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
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 dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine.
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've first begun
(This last verse was not written by John Newton but was added later. It is attributed to John P. Rees and was first used in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe, in her novel “Uncle Tom's Cabin”)
(John Newton, 1779)
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
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come
'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home
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 dissolve like snow
The sun forbear to shine
But God who called me here below
Will be forever mine.
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've first begun
(This last verse was not written by John Newton but was added later. It is attributed to John P. Rees and was first used in 1852 by Harriet Beecher Stowe, in her novel “Uncle Tom's Cabin”)
(John Newton, 1779)
“Amazing Grace” Bible Memory Verses
Acts 15:11
"We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” NLT
Ephesians 1:7
"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” NLT
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” NLT
"We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of the Lord Jesus.” NLT
Ephesians 1:7
"He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” NLT
Titus 2:11
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.” NLT
Amazing Grace Hymn Story
Suggestions for Families or Small Groups - Have an “Amazing Grace” Night
Sing the song together.
Sing using just your voices or accompanied by any instruments you play, or just find a version of the song on YouTube
Watch Amazing Grace: The Story Behind the Song.
This is a short movie telling the story of John Newton and how he came to know God’s Amazing Grace
Discuss these questions together.
Questions to dig into John Newton’s story:
Questions to dig into with the lyrics to Amazing Grace
Get creative.
Memorize.
Prayer together.
Father in heaven, Thank You for Your amazing grace! Thank You that while we were still far away, You came near to us, sending Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Thank You for Your love which has always loved us, before we loved You. We ask that you would forgive our sins and make us clean inside. May we treasure your grace as we follow you each day, In Jesus name, Amen
Close your time by singing Amazing Grace once again.
Sing using just your voices or accompanied by any instruments you play, or just find a version of the song on YouTube
- Kids Worship - www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRlPDHvL0UA
- Another version - www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2J01qVKv1U
Watch Amazing Grace: The Story Behind the Song.
This is a short movie telling the story of John Newton and how he came to know God’s Amazing Grace
- vimeo.com/33541891
Discuss these questions together.
Questions to dig into John Newton’s story:
- How is John Newton's story similar to the Biblical account of Jonah? How did their near-death experiences affect each of them?
- Are you surprised that even though John Newton had been captured and made a slave of a Navy ship, he still participated in the cruel slave trade? Why do you think it took so many years for him to change his mind about slavery?
- Can you write your own new verse to "Amazing Grace"? What personal experiences would you include in your verse? Take some time to write a new verse.
- How does being amazed by God’s grace lead us to treat others differently?
Questions to dig into with the lyrics to Amazing Grace
- After hearing John Newton’s story are there any lines from the song that make more sense to you?
- What does it mean that grace has a sound?
- Is being lost and found a good metaphor for our faith? Spend some time reading one of the “Lost and Found” parables of Jesus from Luke 15
- Is being blind and able to see a good metaphor for our faith? Spend some time reading the story of the healing of the blind man in John 9.
- How are those two metaphors alike, how are they different?
- Is grace as precious to us now as at the hour of our first belief? Why or Why not?
- How can we hang on to that grace so that it stays amazing all our lives?
- What hope is promised in this song?
Get creative.
- Draw a picture or create something that illustrates an important line or verse from the song
- Come up with your own hand motions to the song
- Write your own poem about God’s Amazing Grace
- Sing other song’s that tell of God’s Amazing Grace
Memorize.
- Learn one of the scripture verses about God’s grace
- Memorize a verse from the song each week for the next six weeks
Prayer together.
Father in heaven, Thank You for Your amazing grace! Thank You that while we were still far away, You came near to us, sending Jesus Christ to be our Savior. Thank You for Your love which has always loved us, before we loved You. We ask that you would forgive our sins and make us clean inside. May we treasure your grace as we follow you each day, In Jesus name, Amen
Close your time by singing Amazing Grace once again.