Come Holy Spirit Come

Looking for hymns about Pentecost I came across this one which goes to the tune Diademata (Crown him with many crowns).

It's a good modern take on the Veni Sancte Spiritus, and invokes the Spirit to invade our space, touch our common life, and renew the face of the earth in the slow, patient, determined coming of peace and justice. This time of year I have yet another look at that great book about the Holy Spirit, The Go-Between God by John V Taylor. Innovative theology remaining faithful to the Spirit's rootedness in the Triune life of God, and and love-driven to a creative mobility within and upon creation.

Come, Holy Spirit, come!

Inflame our souls with love,

transforming every heart and home

with wisdom from above.

Let none of us despise

the humble path Christ trod,

but choose, to shame the worldly wise,

the foolishness of God.

 

All-knowing Spirit, prove

the poverty of pride,

by knowledge of the Father’s love

in Jesus crucified.

And grant us faith to know

the glory of that sign,

and in our very lives to show

the marks of love divine.

 

Come with the gift to heal

the wounds of guilt and fear,

and to oppression’s face reveal

the kingdom drawing near.

Where chaos longs to reign,

descend, O holy Dove,

and free us all to work again

the miracles of love.

 

Spirit of truth, arise:

Inspire the prophet’s voice:

Expose to scorn the tyrant’s lies,

and bid the poor rejoice.

O Spirit, clear our sight,

all prejudice remove,

and help us to discern the right,

and covet only love.

 

Give us the tongues to speak

the word of love and grace

to rich and poor, to strong and weak,

in every time and place.

Enable us to hear

the words that others bring,

interpreting with open ear

the special song they sing

 

Come, Holy Spirit, dance

within our hearts today,

our earthbound spirits to entrance,

our mortal fears allay.

And teach us to desire,

all other things above,

that self-consuming holy fire,

the perfect gift of love.