Scripture Verse

They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:3–4

Introduction

portrait
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958)

Words: Henry H. Twee­dy, 1933.

Music: Fo­rest Green tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish tune. Ar­ranged by Ralph Vaugh­an Will­iams, 1906 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Llanfyllin tra­di­tion­al Welsh tune, pub­lished 1865 (🔊 pdf nwc)
portrait
Henry H. Tweedy (1868–1953)

Lyrics

O Spi­rit of the living God,
Thou light and fire divine,
Descend upon Thy church once more,
And make it truly Thine.
Fill it with love and joy and power,
With right­eous­ness and peace;
Till Christ shall dwell in human hearts,
And sin and sorrow cease.

Blow, wind of God! With wisdom blow
Until our minds are free
From mists of errors, clouds of doubt,
Which blind our eyes to Thee.
Burn, wingèd fire! Inspire our lips
With flaming love and zeal,
To preach to all Thy great good news,
God’s glo­ri­ous common weal.

Teach us to utter living words
Of truth which all may hear,
The language all may understand
When love speaks loud and clear;
Till every age and race and clime
Shall blend their creeds in one,
And earth shall form one family
By whom Thy will is done.

So shall we know the power of Christ
Who came this world to save;
So shall we rise with Him to life
Which soars beyond the grave;
And earth shall win true holiness,
Which makes Thy children whole;
Still, perfected by Thee, we reach
Creation’s glo­ri­ous goal!