The Life-giver

Tonight I was ministered to in Elaine's post here. It struck the same chord that this hymn we sung in church (specific phrases highlighted below) did. Tremendous heartbreak can plunge you into a dark place where you simply survive. For years, I have been just surviving, with yearnings surfacing ever so often to feel alive once again. The resurrection process is beginning and I would covet your prayers. God's purpose for us is to live, and live abundantly. Are you alive in Christ? If not, cry out to Him. He is the Source of Life, the Life-giver.

Ephesians 4:29,30

Words by George Croly, 1780-1860

Music by Frederick C. Atkinson, 1841-1897

Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart

Verse 1
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.

Verse 2
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 above.

Verse 3
Hast Thou not bid us love Thee, God and King?

All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind!

I see Thy cross, there teach my heart to cling:

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

Verse 4
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.

Verse 5
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,

One holy passion filling all my frame;

The baptism of the heaven descended Dove;

My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.