Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat

Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat is a deeply pastoral and gospel rich hymn by John Newton, the former slave trader turned Anglican minister best known for Amazing Grace. Written around 1779, this hymn reflects Newton’s lifelong emphasis on free access to God through the finished work and continual intercession of Jesus Christ. The subtitle, Pleading His Gracious Name, captures the heart of the hymn, which is a call to believers to draw near to God with confidence, not on the basis of personal merit, but through Christ alone.

The hymn opens by exhorting the soul to come boldly to the mercy seat, echoing the teaching of Hebrews that believers may approach the throne of grace with confidence to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16, KJV). Newton emphasizes that prayer is not an uncertain or fearful act for the believer, because Christ Himself appears in the presence of God as our great High Priest and Advocate. This truth removes despair and replaces it with assurance grounded in Christ’s atoning sacrifice.

Throughout the hymn, Newton confronts the discouragement that often hinders prayer. He acknowledges the believer’s weakness, guilt, and sense of unworthiness, yet repeatedly directs the soul away from self and toward Christ. The mercy seat is not approached with excuses or self-justification, but with faith in the sufficiency of Christ’s blood and righteousness. This aligns closely with Romans 8:1, which declares that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, and with 1 John 2:1, which presents Christ as the Advocate for sinners.

The tone of the hymn is tender and instructive rather than triumphant. Newton writes as a shepherd of souls, urging weary Christians not to abandon prayer when burdened by sin or sorrow. Instead, he teaches that these very conditions are reasons to come to God. Prayer becomes an act of trust in God’s gracious character, who is ready to pardon and abundant in mercy (Psalm 86:5, KJV).

Approach, My Soul, the Mercy Seat remains a powerful devotional hymn that encourages perseverance in prayer and confidence in the gospel. It stands as a clear testimony to the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith and the ongoing priestly ministry of Christ. For believers struggling with doubt or spiritual weariness, this hymn offers gentle assurance that the way to God remains open, secure, and welcoming through Jesus Christ alone.