Scripture Verse

Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Galatians 5:25

Introduction

Words: George Cro­ly, Psalms and Hymns for Pub­lic Wor­ship (Lon­don: 1854).

Music: More­cambe Fred­er­ick C. At­kin­son, 1870 (🔊 pdf nwc). At­kin­son orig­in­al­ly wrote this tune for Abide with Me, but it ne­ver caught on with that hymn.

Alternate Tunes:

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of At­kin­son (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
George Croly
1780–1860

Lyrics

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its puls­es move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art;
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.

I ask no dream, no prophet ec­sta­sies,
No sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no op­en­ing skies;
But take the dimness of my soul away.

Teach me to feel that Thou art al­ways nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the re­bel sigh,
Teach me the patience of un­an­swered pray­er.

Hast Thou not bid me love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross; there teach my heart to cling:
O let me seek Thee, and O let me find!

Teach me to love Thee as Thine an­gels love,
One ho­ly pas­sion fill­ing all my frame;
The kind­ling of the hea­ven des­cend­ed Dove,
My heart an al­tar, and Thy love the flame.