Suggested Hymns from HymnSite.com

Sundays After Pentecost

Proper 15 [20]

Scripture Theme Hymns
I Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14
-or-
Psalm 111
-or-
Proverbs 9:1-6
Source of Wisdom, Becoming Wise, Priorities Canticle of Wisdom #112
454 Open My Eyes, That I May See
399 Take My Life, and Let It Be
577 God of Grace and God of Glory
Great is Thy Faithfulness #140
Comment
Psalm 34:9-14 Fear of the Lord, Seek the Lord, God's Providence Psalter p. 769 response 1
139 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
Seek Ye First #405
500 Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
Comment
Ephesians 5:15-20 The Will of God, Spirit-filled Living, Living Wisely Thank You Lord #84
160 Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart
420 Breathe on Me, Breath of God
465 Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
467 Trust and Obey
382 Have Thine Own Way, Lord
603 Come, Holy Ghost, Our Hearts Inspire
Comment
John 6:51-58 Living Bread, Bread for the World, Christ in Me Because He Lives #364
626 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
616 Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast
Come, Let us Eat #625
623 Here, O My Lord, I See Thee
622 There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood
For the Bread Which Thou Hast Broken #614
Be Thou My Vision #451
Comment

Featured Hymn
Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart

Text: George Croly
Tune: MORECAMBE

This hymn is one of the finest examples of the individualistic piety, fire and passion of devotion that marked the pre-Victorian Evangelicalism of England. It is a prayer for the indwelling Spirit of God to take complete control of body and soul. With but one brief reference to the Cross, this hymn's theology is only that of the Spirit (pneumatology There is no science, no sociology, no biblical criticism. The poet entered his prayer closet and shut the door. "My heart an altar and thy love the flame" may be one of the most beautiful metaphors of any hymn.

George Croly (1780-1860) preached at St. Stephen's, in a poor section of London, for more than thirty years. An engaging and forceful preacher, he re-opened it's pulpit after it had been closed for over a hundred years. This is the only surviving hymn text from his writings during this period.

The tune, MORECAMBE, composed by Frederick C. Atkinson , was originally set to "Abide With Me" for use in the composer's church where he was organist.

The hymn entered Methodist hymnody in 1901 with only 4 stanzas. In 1905 the hymn was restored to its original length and remained so to the present.

To allow the hymn to express the fullest measure of piety it invokes, sing at least one stanza in full harmony and a cappella.

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.
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 away.
3. Has thou not bid me 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.
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.
5. Teach me to love thee as thine angels love,
one holy passion filling all my frame;
the kindling of the heaven-descended Dove,
my heart an altar, and thy love the flame.
God bless you,
Lection at HymnSite.com

Contributed by Rev. Linda K. Morgan-Clark


Comment on Old Testament Hymn Suggestions

Alternate Response for #112: #211 v2, first two phrases. See also Index listings: "Prayer for Illumination" p.951; "Stewardship" p. 952


Comment on Psalter Suggestions

Consider substituting #112 for the Psalter. See also Index listings "Providence" p. 950; also Hymns 102-125 (God's Nature), 126-143 (Providence)


Comment on Gospel Hymn Suggestions

See index listing "Jesus Christ, Presence" p.946


Comment on Epistle Hymn Suggestions

See also Index listings: "Presence (Holy Spirit) p.949; also Hymns 395-424 (Personal Holiness)


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Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT.