Recently I was struck by this ancient hymn and would love to reclaim it as we spend the next few weeks learning about the Holy Spirit.
I encountered it reading through Wayne Grudem’s helpful chapter on the work of the Holy Spirit (“The Work of the Holy Spirit” in Systematic Theology). The hymn dates from at least the tenth century and is anonymous but filled with rich truth. This week I’m reading and praying through it daily, asking God to make me more grateful for the Spirit’s work and asking for more of the Spirit’s work in my life.
Come, O Creator Spirit Blest / And in thy hearts take up thy rest ; Spirit of Grace, with heavenly aid / Come to the souls who thou hast made
Bringing from heaven our sevenfold power / sign of our God’s right hand of power / O Blessed Spirit promised long / Thy coming wakes the heart to song
Thou art the Comforter we cry / Sent to the Earth by God Most High / Fountain of life and fire of love / And our anointing from above
Make our dull minds with rapture glow / Let human hearts with love overflow / And when our feeble flesh would fail / May thine immortal strength prevail
Far from our souls the foe repel / Grant us in peace henceforth to dwell / lll shall not come, nor harm betide / If only thou wilt be our guide
Show us the Father, Holy One/ Help us to know the eternal son / Spirit divine for evermore / Thee we will trust and thee adore