Abbeville (Come Holy Spirit)

A classic Sacred Harp tune for Pentecost:

Listen to a folk version by Liz Jayne

Lyrics:

Come, Holy Spirit, Come
With energy divine,
And on this poor, benighted soul
With beams of mercy shine

Melt, melt this frozen heart;
This stubborn will subdue;
Each evil passion overcome,
And form me all anew

Mine will the profit be,
But Thine shall be the praise;
And unto Thee will I devote
the remnant of my days

Praise Father, Spirit, Son
The Mighty Three in One
Creator, Saviour, Fiery Breeze
Sustainer be our peace

Words: Benjamin Beddome, 1900
Addition Words: Philip Majorins
Music: ABBEVILLE, by E.J. King, 1844

“A Prayer to the Holy Spirit” by Christina Rossetti

A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

By Christina Rossetti (1830-1894)

O God the Holy Ghost
Who art light unto thine elect
Evermore enlighten us.
Thou who art fire of love
Evermore enkindle us.
Thou who art Lord and Giver of Life,
Evermore live in us.
Thou who bestowest sevenfold grace,
Evermore replenish us.
As the wind is thy symbol,
So forward our goings.
As the dove, so launch us heavenwards.
As water, so purify our spirits.
As a cloud, so abate our temptations.
As dew, so revive our languor.
As fire, so purge our dross