Scripture Verse

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. Acts 2:2–3

Introduction

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James Montgomery (1771–1854)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­go­me­ry, 1819.

Music: St. Mi­chael, me­lo­dy by Lou­is Bour­geois, in the French Ge­ne­van Psal­ter, 1551. Adapt­ed by Will­iam Crotch in his Psalm Tunes, 1836 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

portrait
William Crotch (1775–1847)

Lyrics

Lord God, the Holy Ghost,
In this accepted hour,
As on the day of Pentecost,
Descend in all Thy power.

We meet with one accord
In our appointed place
And wait the promise of our Lord,
The Spi­rit of all grace.

Like mighty rushing wind
Upon the waves beneath,
Move with one impulse every mind;
One soul, one feeling breathe.

The young, the old inspire
With wisdom from above;
And give us hearts and tongues of fire,
To pray, and praise, and love.

Spirit of light, explore
And chase our gloom away,
With luster shining more and more
Unto the perfect day.

Spirit of truth, be Thou
In life and death, our guide;
O Spi­rit of adoption, now
May we be sanctified!