1 O LET the prisoners' mournful cries
As incense in thy sight appear!
Their humble wailings pierce the skies,
If haply they may feel thee near.
2 The captive exiles make their moans,
From sin impatient to be free:
Call home, call home thy banished ones!
Lead captive their captivity!
3 Show them the blood that bought their peace,
The anchor of their steadfast hope;
And bid their guilty terrors cease,
And bring the ransomed prisoners up.
4 Out of the deep regard their cries,
The fallen raise, the mourners cheer;
O Sun of righteousness, arise,
And scatter all their doubt and fear!
5 Pity the day of feeble things;
O gather every halting soul!
And drop salvation from thy wings,
And make the contrite sinner whole.
6 Stand by them in the fiery hour,
Their feebleness of mind defend;
And in their weakness show thy power,
And make them patient to the end.
7 O satisfy their soul in drought!
Give them thy saving health to see;
And let thy mercy find them out;
And let thy mercy reach to me.
O Let The Prisoners' Mournful Cries Video
O Let The Prisoners' Mournful Cries Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
O Let The Prisoners' Mournful Cries is a hymn written by Charles Wesley, an English leader of the Methodist movement, and a prolific hymn writer. The hymn was published in 1744 in Hymns for Times of Trouble and Persecution, a collection of hymns intended to provide comfort and hope for those facing trials and persecution.
Inspiration Behind the Song
The inspiration behind this hymn is believed to be drawn from the biblical accounts of the Israelites in captivity and exile. In Psalm 102:20, the psalmist writes, "To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to set free those who were doomed to die." This verse speaks of God's concern for prisoners, and His desire to set them free from their captivity.
The story behind the hymn is not entirely clear, but it is believed that Wesley was moved to write it after witnessing the suffering of those who were imprisoned for their faith. As an advocate for social justice and human rights, Wesley was deeply concerned about the mistreatment of prisoners and the injustice that they faced.
Meaning of the Song
The hymn is a prayer for the release and deliverance of prisoners, both physical and spiritual. It expresses the deep longing of those who are captive to be set free, and the hope that they have in God to bring about their release.
The first verse of the hymn begins with the mournful cries of prisoners, which are described as incense rising up to God. This imagery suggests that the prayers and cries of the prisoners are not ignored by God, but are heard and acknowledged.
The second verse speaks of the desire of prisoners to be free from sin and to be reconciled to God. It is a reminder that spiritual captivity is just as real as physical captivity, and that both are equally deserving of compassion and concern.
The third verse refers to the blood of Christ as the source of peace and hope for those who are captive. It is a reminder that Christ's sacrifice on the cross has the power to set us free from our bondage to sin and death.
The fourth verse is a plea for God to intervene and bring about the release of the prisoners. It is a reminder that God is able to do what we cannot, and that He is always working for the good of His people.
The fifth verse speaks of the satisfaction that comes from knowing God's salvation and the joy that it brings. It is a reminder that true freedom is found in Christ alone, and that all other forms of freedom are temporary and incomplete.
The sixth verse is a prayer for strength and endurance in the face of trials and adversity. It is a reminder that God's power is made perfect in our weakness, and that He is always with us to give us the strength that we need.
The final verse is a plea for God's mercy to be extended to all who are in need. It is a reminder that God's love is not limited to a select few, but is available to all who call upon His name.
Bible Verses References
The hymn is based on several biblical passages that speak of God's concern for prisoners and His desire to set them free. Some of these passages include:
Psalm 102:20 - "To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to set free those who were doomed to die."
Isaiah 61:1 - "The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."
Matthew 25:36 - "I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Hebrews 13:3 - "Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
Practical Application
The hymn O Let The Prisoners' Mournful Cries has a powerful message for Christians today. It reminds us of the importance of standing up for justice and advocating for the oppressed, whether they are physically or spiritually captive.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be a light in the darkness, to bring hope and healing to those who are hurting. We are called to be instruments of God's grace and mercy, extending His love to all who are in need.
We can apply the message of this hymn by praying for those who are imprisoned, whether they are in physical or spiritual bondage. We can also support organizations that work to bring about justice and freedom for those who are oppressed, and we can speak out against injustice and discrimination wherever we see it.
In conclusion, O Let The Prisoners' Mournful Cries is a hymn that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith. It reminds us of the power of prayer, the hope that we have in Christ, and the importance of standing up for justice and mercy. May we be inspired by this hymn to be agents of change in the world, bringing hope and healing to all who are in need.
