Hey there,
Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now I’m found
Was blind but now I see
I’m sure those words are familiar … they open one of the most beloved hymns of all time, Amazing Grace. It’s estimated to be performed more than 10 million times every year and appears on over 11,000 albums … a testament to its universal message of redemption and hope.
The hymn’s author, John Newton, wrote the verses in 1772 after surviving a violent storm at sea that led to his conversion. Once involved in the slave trade, Newton’s heart was transformed by God’s mercy. He later became a Christian minister and outspoken abolitionist. The melody we know today came when William Walker paired Newton’s words with the tune New Britain in 1835. (You can read more about Newton’s remarkable story in the article below.)
Newton’s insight still rings true: we are all in need of God’s grace … His free and undeserved gift that restores and sanctifies us.
In this week’s issue of Genuflect, we explore the richness of grace: what grace truly is and how we receive it, the different kinds of grace recognized by the Church, how to extend grace to others, how to live … and even die … in a state of grace, plus, a deeper look at the history and meaning of Amazing Grace.
None of us may fully identify with the “wretch” Newton described, yet it’s comforting to know that grace is always available to us. All we need to do is open our hearts to receive it and let it transform our lives.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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Grace Explained
There are several misunderstandings about the Catholic Church’s teachings on grace and its role in our salvation. Jonathan Hayes explains what grace is, how it saves us, the role of acts in our salvation, and the 3 types of merit.
The Catholic Understanding of Grace | Catholic365
Grace According to The CCC
Understanding grace can be a challenge. Fortunately, the Catechism of the Catholic Church makes it easy to understand. Dennis Lambert breaks grace down for us into 3 truths.
What is Grace? Three Truths That Help us Understand God’s Favor | Busted Halo
Sanctifying Grace For Salvation
In order to get to heaven, we need to have sanctifying grace in our soul. How do we get it and maintain it? How can we increase it? How does our Catholic belief differ from that of Protestants? You’ll find all these answers, and more right here.
Grace: What It Is and What It Does | Catholic Answers
Making Grace a Priority
Now that you know what grace is, you may be wondering how to make a life of grace a priority. The Catholic Herald has some recommendations.
How Can I Make a Life of Grace a Priority? | Catholic Herald
Prayer For Those Needing Grace
Here’s a prayer you can pray for someone you know who is wandering away from God. Written by Father Paul O’Sullivan, it asks God to pour the grace of the Holy Spirit over them.
Prayer for Souls in Need of The Holy Spirit’s Grace | Aleteia
Extending Grace to Others
Grace is a gift from God. But did you know that you can be God’s conduit to share grace with others? Deanna Bartalini shares 3 ways to extend grace to others.
3 Ways to Extend Grace | Catholic Mom
Grace in Death
I recall vividly when Pope John Paul II was on his deathbed, a Catholic commentator talking about how the Pope wanted to be an example of how to approach end of life with suffering. In this article, Patrick Archbold explains why a slow and painful death is ideal for Catholics, and why it’s what he hopes for.
The Grace of a Slow, Painful Death | One Peter Five
Saying Grace
When we pray before eating a meal, we call it “saying grace.” On the face of it, it doesn’t seem to make sense. But if you know the historical reference to blessing your food, it makes perfect sense.
Why do we Call Prayers Before Meals “Saying Grace?” | Aleteia
Amazing Amazing Graces
If you love the song “Amazing Grace” as much as I do, you’ll want to check this out. ChurchPOP has gathered 21 of the best renditions of this great song. Unfortunately, some of the videos are no longer available, but there’s still 16 from artists like Elvis Presley, Andrea Bocelli, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, and even Steve Tyler of Aerosmith fame.
21 Renditions of “Amazing Grace” so Good You’ll Get Goosebumps | ChurchPOP
The History of Amazing Grace
Here’s the full history of the origins of “Amazing Grace” and its author John Newton. Mr. Newton’s life of conversion is truly amazing. It brings a deeper meaning to the words of this iconic hymn.
Amazing Grace: The Story Behind The Beloved Song | Oregon Catholic Press
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