Scripture Verse

Thou hast put gladness in my heart. Psalm 4:7

Introduction

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Paul Gerhardt
1607–1676

Words: Paul Ger­hardt, in Prax­is Pi­eta­tis Me­li­ca, by Jo­hann Crü­ger, 3rd edi­tion, 1648 (O du al­ler­süss­te Freude). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by John Chris­tian Ja­co­bi, cir­ca 1725. Adapt­ed by Sam­uel Long­fel­low, in the Un­i­tar­i­an Book of Hymns, 1848.

Music: Beech­er John Zun­del, Chris­tian Heart Songs 1870 (🔊 pdf nwc).

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Samuel Longfellow
1819–1892

Lyrics

Holy Spirit, source of gladness,
Come with all Thy radiance bright;
O’er our weariness and sadness
Breathe Thy life and shed Thy light!
Send us Thine illumination,
Banish all our fears at length;
Rest upon this congregation,
Spirit of unfailing strength.

Let that love which knows no measure,
Now in quickening showers descend,
Bringing us the richest treasures
Man can wish or God can send;
Hear our earnest supplication,
Every struggling heart release;
Rest upon this congregation,
Spirit of untroubled peace!