Amazing Grace

“I thought … there never was, nor could be, such a sinner as myself.” This is how John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” later described his thoughts during a brutal storm off the coast of Ireland on March 21, 1748. Newton had lived a tumultuous life, and as a sailor, he was involved in the African slave trade. Recalling what he knew about Jesus Christ, Newton pled in prayer to be spared from shipwreck.

After this experience, Newton began reading the Bible and had a spiritual conversion. In 1764 he became an Anglican minister, devoting himself to serving the people in his congregation and becoming well known for his heartfelt preaching. Later in life, he fought against the slave trade and lived to see it abolished in the British Empire in 1807.

“Amazing Grace” is one of many hymns that Newton wrote and included in his sermons. Verse 1 reminds us of Nephi’s anguished cry: “O wretched man that I am!” Then, remembering the Lord’s mercy, Nephi added, “My soul will rejoice in thee, my God” (2 Nephi 4:17, 30). The text of this hymn was included in an early hymnbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1841.

Find lyrics, sheet music, and recordings for Amazing Grace

Scriptures

Principles

Jesus Christ provides grace that gives us strength to change and come unto Him.
Through His grace, the Lord can protect us and lead us safely to eternal life.
The Lord’s grace is available to us because of His atoning sacrifice.

Questions to Ponder

When have you experienced the Savior’s merciful grace in your life?
What are some reasons why you need the grace of Jesus Christ?
How might you help others recognize that Jesus Christ is willing to share His love and grace?

Related Gospel Study Guides

From Topics and Questions, Gospel Library:

Activities for Families

Appreciate different recordings of the hymn. Explain to your children that this hymn has been sung in many Christian churches around the world. Listen to the recorded version found in Hymns—For Home and Church. Then explore other versions of the hymn by different choirs or soloists. Invite your children to sing along with each version, and talk about how the singers’ voices and emotions affect the feeling of the hymn. Ask your children which version helps them feel the meaning of the hymn the most.
Teach how Jesus Christ gives us light and increases our abilities. Put a blindfold on one family member, and ask him or her to do a simple task such as walking across the room, cleaning up toys, choosing a change of clothes, and so on. Then give him or her a chance to do the activity without the blindfold. Read 2 Corinthians 12:9–10 together, and explain that sometimes we may feel unsure in life, but Jesus Christ provides light in dark times and gives us strength to meet our challenges. Invite family members to share challenges or weaknesses they’ve faced and how the Savior helped them through.
Discuss the meaning of grace. Talk about what the word grace means. You can explain it as “divine help or strength … given through the mercy and love of God” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Grace,” Gospel Library). You could use the related gospel study guides that are provided above. Invite each family member to share a time when they felt help from God—when they were comforted, strengthened, or enabled to do something hard. Sing this hymn together, and encourage your children to think about how grace blesses their lives every day.