Come My Soul Thy Suit Prepare
Come, my soul, thy suit prepare
The hymn exemplifies evangelical soteriology by emphasizing the believer's direct access to God through Christ's mediation, reflecting the priesthood of all believers. It articulates confidence in God's willingness to hear and answer prayer as foundational to Christian devotion and faith.
History & Background
Written by John Newton in 1779 and published in his Olney Hymns collection, this hymn draws inspiration from Solomon's prayer at Gibeon, encouraging believers to approach God boldly in prayer. It became a standard prayer hymn in evangelical and liturgical Protestant traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 779
- Lutheran Worship — 433
- Trinity Hymnal — 631
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 459
Bulletin Note
John Newton (1779) wrote this hymn to strengthen the prayer life of ordinary believers. It reflects the evangelical conviction that God welcomes human petition through Christ's intercession alone, inviting earnest rather than presumptuous prayer.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the evangelical confidence that Christ's mediation grants all believers direct access to God's throne—a powerful counterpoint to any sermon on the courage required to pray boldly and without shame.
Themes
Prayer and petition Access to God through Christ Confidence in divine hearing Perseverance in supplication