Descend Upon Our Hearts

by Ralph I. Tilley 

You who long ago descended
Upon a seeking, waiting host;
Descend upon our hearts today,
The Father’s promised Holy Ghost. 

O illuminating Spirit,
O Light to darkened, blinded eyes;
Enable us to see Jesus—
Heaven’s exalted, risen Prize. 

O fiery Spirit of burning,
Consume in us all that is dross;
Come and cleanse Your prepared temples,
As we gaze upon God’s own Cross. 

While bending low before the Throne,
All self-rule we boldly renounce.
“Jesus is Lord,” You help us pray;
This we most joyfully announce. 

O Wind of God, breathe within us,
Filling everyone’s yielded heart;
Renew us in Christ’s holy love,
Leaving no inner untouched part. 

O Spirit of God, now send us
To serve others in Jesus’ name—
Humbly walking before our God,
Spreading abroad Christ’s worthy fame.