Holy Spirit, Truth Divine (ELW 398)
Devotion
1Holy Spirit, truth divine,
dawn upon this soul of mine;
breath of God and inward light,
wake my spirit, clear my sight.
2Holy Spirit, love divine,
glow within this heart of mine;
kindle ev'ry high desire;
purge me with your holy fire.
3Holy Spirit, pow'r divine,
fortify this will of mine;
by your will I strongly live,
bravely bear, and nobly strive.
4Holy Spirit, peace divine,
still this restless heart of mine;
speak to calm this tossing sea,
stayed in your tranquility.
5Holy Spirit, right divine,
king within my conscience reign;
be my guide, and I shall be
firmly bound, forever free.
Text: Samuel Longfellow, 1819-1892
This hymn was written by the brother of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, one of the best-loved American poets. It is no surprise that Henry was one of Samuel's teachers. The hymn flows with poetic beauty, proclaiming who the Holy Spirit is: truth divine, love divine, power divine, peace divine, right divine. When we sing this hymn, we invite the Holy Spirit's rich treasures to dawn, wake, glow, kindle, purge, fortify, still, reign, and speak.
There is also a final stanza, omitted from the version in our hymnal:
Holy Spirit, joy divine!
Gladden thou this heart of mine;
In the desert ways I sing,
“Spring, O Well! Forever spring."
Praying the words of this lovely hymn would be a perfect way to start each day, especially this week as we celebrate Pentecost.
Prayer
Holy Spirit, truth divine, we give thanks for the gift of each new day and for poets, hymn writers, and musicians who so eloquently help us give voice to prayer and praise. Guide us to sing your truth, love, peace, and joy in our lives. Amen.