The United Methodist Hymnal

539

O Spirit of the Living God

1	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.

2	Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow 
	until our minds are free 
	from mists of error, 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 commonweal.

3	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.

4	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; 
	till, perfected by thee, we reach 
	creation's glorious goal!

WORDS: Henry H. Tweedy, 1935
MUSIC: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Scripture: Acts 2
Theme: Christian Year: Pentecost; Holy Spirit; Judgment; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Social Holiness; Social Concerns; Testimony and Witness; The Nature of the Church: Born of the Spirit; The Nature of the Church: Born of the Spirit