Perhaps no song in the history of American Christianity resonates so profoundly as the spiritual Amazing Grace, which teaches us about the power of God's grace to save us, heal us, transform us, and, ultimately, to lead us home. If there is suffering -- as this song, a product of an early American slave community intimately acquainted with suffering, teaches us -- there is also hope, first, because God is always there with us, on the journey, no matter what trials and tribulations we encounter, but more importantly, because God is there at the end of the journey, ready to welcome us into heaven.
In the video above, Wintley Phipps, founder of the U.S. Dream Academy, offers a bit of the remarkable history of this foundational hymn, along with a powerful rendition at Carnegie Hall.
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.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
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