On Pentecost weekend I'm reading some of the hymns to the Holy Spirit that are rich theological celebrations of the Spirit of God. For the next week I'll post one each day as an acknowledgement of the Giving Gift of God, The Go Between God, The Spirit of Life, The Light of Truth and Fire of Love, The Creator Spirit, and The Source of Life. These are titles of books in my library, and together they begin to open up the ruchness and diversity of the ministry of the Holy Spirit in the Creation, in the Church, and in us.
1 Holy Spirit, Lord of Light,
From Thy clear celestial height,
Thy pure beaming radiance give:
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou Light of all that live!
2 Thou, of all consolers best,
Visiting the troubled breast,
Dost refreshing peace bestow;
Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.
3 Light immortal! Light divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill;
Where Thou art not, man hath naught,
Nothing good in deed or thought,
Nothing free from taint of ill.
4 Heal our wounds, our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away;
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray.
5 Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:
Give them comfort when they die,
Give them life with Thee on high,
Give them joys that never end.
Amen.
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