I have been reading Near To the Heart of God, Meditations on 366 Best-Loved Hymns this year along with my daily Bible study. Today's hymn, Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart really jumped out at me.
It was written by George Croly, an Irishman who was asked in 1835 to reopen a church that had been closed for 100 years. It was in the heart of the London slums, but his powerful preaching attracted large crowds. He prepared a fresh hymnal for the church and he included this hymn he had written.
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart; wean it from earth; through all its pulses move;
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art; and make me love Thee as I ought to love.
I ask no dream, no prophet ecstasies, no sudden rending of the veil of clay,
No angel visitant, no opening skies; but take the dimness of my soul away.
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh; teach me the struggles of the soul to bear.
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh, teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love, one holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heaven descended Dove, my heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.
Read each verse slowly, meditating on each one. This is a wonderful prayer of submission to the will of God.
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