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.

 

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

 

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

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.

 

~

 

 

Amazing grace ~ a famous hymn of thanks to God for salvation; both physical and spiritual. John Newton was a man saved by God from a storm whilst working as a slave trader. He called to God for help when his ship was in trouble and through this experience (the ship didn't sink; cargo was later found to have moved to stop the gap in the ship's hull) eventually became a Christian Minister and wrote the above words in thanksgiving.

 

Later he also joined William Wilberforce in the fight against the oppresive conditions of the slave trade ~ which was eventually outlawed by the 1807 'Slave Trade Act'.

 

~

 

 

Today it is estimated that 27 million people are held against their will in modern-day slavery / oppression.

 

these are men, women and children

 

 8 out of 10 of these are human trafficking victims, the others labour slaves.

 

(figures www.enditmovement.com)

 

 

Read the whole text of Isaiah 58

 

 

*

 

 

God requires that we remember to pray for those who suffer; for their release and for their perpetrators (Hebrews 13:3, Matthew 5:44)

 

 

Today: Thank God for freedom in your own life

pray for release of prisoners, for their strengthening, freedom and help.

pray the oppressors will be bought to justice

ask God if there is anything He would like you to do to help

 

(e.g. sponsor a child, get more information..)