Amazing Grace: words for a funeral order of service
6 verses, 24 lines. John Newton (died 1807). Out of copyright in the UK.
Put these words straight into an A5 order of service booklet.
Add to my order of serviceAmazing 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.
'Twas 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 has 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.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call'd me here below,
Will be for ever mine.
These are the six verses printed in Olney Hymns. Other verses sometimes sung with it are not included.
At a glance
| Verses | 6 |
|---|---|
| Lines | 24 |
| Words | 147 |
| Fits one A5 page at 11 pt | Yes, about 82% of the page |
| Fits one A5 page at 12.5 pt (larger print) | Yes, about 93% of the page |
| Words | John Newton (died 1807) |
| UK copyright in the words | Out of copyright The writer died more than 70 years ago. |
| Text taken from | Olney Hymns (1840 printing), Book 1, Hymn 41, on Wikisource |
Hymn books differ in small ways: a word here, a comma there, sometimes a verse left out. Check these words against the hymn book or sheet your organist will use, and edit them in the builder if they differ.
Questions
- Can I print the words of Amazing Grace in a funeral order of service in the UK?
- The words are by John Newton, who died in 1807. UK copyright in a writer's words lasts no longer than 70 years after the end of the year the writer died, so these words are out of copyright. This is information, not legal advice.
- How many verses does Amazing Grace have?
- The version on this page has 6 verses and 24 lines (147 words).
- Does Amazing Grace fit on one A5 page?
- At 11 point type on an A5 page with 14 mm margins: yes, it takes about 82% of the page. At 12.5 point: yes, about 93% of the page.
This page gives information, not legal advice. Facts were checked on 10 November 2026.