Holy Spirit, Lord of love

Holy Spirit, Lord of love,
thou who camest from above,
gifts of blessing to bestow
on your waiting Church below,
once again in love draw near
to thy servants gathered here.

From their bright baptismal day
through their childhood's onward way,
thou hast been their constant Guide,
watching ever by their side;
may they now, till life shall end,
choose and know thee as their Friend.

Give them light thy truth to see:
give them life to live for thee,
daily power to conquer sin,
patient faith, the crown to win;
shield them from temptation's breath,
keep them faithful unto death.

When the sacred vow is made,
when the hands are on them laid,
come in this most solemn hour
with your strengthening gift of power,
come, thou blessèd Spirit, come,
make each heart thy happy home.

Words: William Dalyrimple Maclagan, 1873

Music: Bread of Heaven

For a version in two verses of eight lines, click here.

Meter: 777 777

Website compiled by Steve Benner, 1999-2003.