Hymn for Pentecost: Creator Spirit, by Whose Aid

Creator Spirit, by whose aid
the world’s foundations first were laid,
come visit every humble mind;
come, pour thy joys on human kind;
from sin and sorrow set us free,
and make us temples worthy thee.

O Source of uncreated light,
the Father’s promised Paraclete,
thrice holy Fount, thrice holy Fire,
our hearts with heavenly love inspire;
come, and thy sacred unction bring
to sanctify us while we sing.

Plenteous of grace, come from on high,
rich in thy sevenfold energy;
make us eternal truths receive,
and practice all that we believe;
give us thyself, that we may see
the Father and the Son by thee.

Immortal honor, endless fame,
attend the Almighty Father’s Name;
the Savior Son be glorified,
who for lost man’s redemption died;
and equal adoration be,
Eternal Paraclete, to thee.

Words: John Dryden, 1693

God of My Life, to Thee I Call

William Cowper, 1779

(Sing to the tune of “Just As I Am”)

God of my life, to Thee I call;
Afflicted, at Thy feet I fall;
When the great water floods prevail
Leave not my trembling heart to fail!

Friend of the friendless and the saint,
Where should I lodge my deep complaint?
Where but with Thee, Whose open door
Invites the helpless and the poor!

Did ever mourner plead with Thee,
And Thou refuse that mourner’s plea?
Does not the Word still fixed remain
That none shall seek Thy face in vain?

That were a grief I could not bear,
Didst Thou not hear and answer prayer;
But a prayer hearing, answering God
Supports me under every load.

Fair is the lot that’s cast for me!
I have an Advocate with Thee;
They whom the world caresses most,
Have no such privilege to boast.

Poor though I am, despised, forgot,
Yet God, my God, forgets me not;
And he is safe, and must succeed,
For whom the Lord vouchsafes to plead.

Then hear, O Lord, my humble cry
And bend on me Thy pitying eye.
To Thee their prayer Thy people make:
Hear us for our Redeemer’s sake.