O SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD (1)
"They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to
rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and
began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them." Acts
2:3-4
Words: Henry Hallam Tweedy, 1935.
Music: "Forest Green," traditional English melody; arranged by Ralph
Vaughan Williams, 1906.
O Spirit of the living God, Thou light and fire divine,
Descend upon Thy church once more, and make it truly Thine.
Fill it with love and joy and power, with righteousness and peace;
Till Christ shall dwell in human hearts, and sin and sorrow cease.
Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow until our minds are free
From mists of errors, clouds of doubt, which blind our eyes to Thee.
Burn, winged fire! Inspire our lips with flaming love and zeal,
To preach to all Thy great good news, God's glorious common weal.
Teach us to utter living words of truth which all may hear,
The language all may understand when love speaks loud and clear;
Till every age and race and clime shall blend their creeds in one,
And earth shall form one family by whom Thy will is done.
So shall we know the power of Christ Who came this world to save;
So shall we rise with Him to life which soars beyond the grave;
And earth shall win true holiness, which makes Thy children whole;
Still, perfected by Thee, we reach creation's glorious goal!