A Hymn for the day

I would like to share this hymn with you, written by George Croly, an Irish preacher born in 1780.

***

Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;

Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move.

Stoop to my weakness, mighty as you are,

And make me love you 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.

.

Have you not bid me love you, God and King?

All, all your own, soul, heart, strength, and mind.

I see your cross; there teach my heart to cling.

O let me seek you, and O let me find!

.

Teach me to feel that you are 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 you as your angels love,

One holy passion filling all my frame;

The kindling of heaven-descended Dove,

My heart an altar, and your love the flame.