Holy Spirit, Truth Divine, ELW 398
Holy Spirit, truth divine, dawn upon this soul of mine;
breath of God and inward light, wake my spirit, clear my sight.
Holy Spirit, love divine, glow within this heart of mine;
kindle ev'ry high desire; purge me with your holy fire.
Holy Spirit, pow'r divine, fortify this will of mine;
by your will I strongly live, bravely bear and nobly strive.
Holy Spirit, peace divine, still this restless heart of mine;
speak to calm this tossing sea, stayed in your tranquility.
Holy Spirit, right divine, king within my conscience reign;
be my guide, and I shall be firmly bound, forever free.
Devotion
Jesus didn’t have an ELW, but this is the kind of song I imagine him singing as he prepared to call his first disciples. Its words are humble, freely acknowledging our human frailties. But it is also hopeful, conveying the confidence and encouragement that comes from putting one’s trust in God’s power and presence.
Have you yourself had a need to sing this hymn recently? Whether it’s while trying to find the right words for a difficult conversation or facing a challenge or getting up the courage to invite a friend to church … whatever the situation, when you begin and end by calling on the Holy Spirit to guide you, you profess your faith that this Spirit can make you stronger, more capable, more compassionate, and more faith-filled. Who knows what God might be able to do through you?
Prayer
Thank you, life-giving Spirit, for leading and guiding me today. Amen.