The words
Stanza 1. Fervent persevering prayersAre faith’s assured resource,Brazen gates, and iron bars,In vain withstand their force:Peter when in prison cast,Though by soldiers kept with care;Though the doors were bolted fast,Was soon released by prayer.
Stanza 2. While he slept an angel cameAnd spread a light around;Touched, and called him by his name,And raised him from the ground:All his chains and fetters burst,Every door wide open flew;Peter thought he dreamed, at first,But found the vision true.
Stanza 3. Thus the LORD can make a wayTo bring his saints relief;’Tis their part, to wait and pray,In spite of unbelief:He can break through walls of stone,Sink the mountain to a plain;They, to whom his name is known;Can never pray in vain.
Stanza 4. Thus in chains of guilt and sin,Poor sinners sleeping lie;No alarm is felt within,Although condemned to die:Till descending from above(Mercy smiling in his eyes)Jesus, with a voice of love,Awakes, and bids them rise.
Stanza 5. Glad the summons they obey,And liberty desire;Strait their fetters melt away,Like wax before the fire:By the word of him who died,Guilty pris’ners to release;Every door flies open wide,And they depart in peace.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 122. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-122
