Scripture Verse

The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

Introduction

Words: Ce­cil F. Al­ex­an­der, in Hymns, by the So­cie­ty for the Pro­pa­ga­tion of Chris­tian Know­ledge, 1852. The words be­low are an al­tered form of the orig­in­al vers­es 2–4. They ap­peared in James Mar­tin­eau’s Hymns, 1873, num­ber 95.

Music: Mis­sion­ary Chant Hein­rich C. Zeu­ner, 1832 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Zeu­ner (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Cecil F. Alexander (1818–1895)

Lyrics

Thou Power and Peace, in whom we find
All holiest strength, all purest love,
The rushing of the mighty wind,
The brooding of the gentle dove.

Forever lend Thy sovereign aid,
And urge us on, and keep us Thine;
Nor leave the hearts which Thou hast made,
Fit temples of Thy grace divine.

Nor let us quench Thy saving light;
But still with softest breathings stir,
Our wayward souls, and lead us right,
O Ho­ly Spi­rit, Com­fort­er!