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.
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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. | |
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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. | |
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Contributed by Rev. Linda K. Morgan-Clark
Alternate Response for #112: #211 v2, first two phrases. See also Index listings: "Prayer for Illumination" p.951; "Stewardship" p. 952
Consider substituting #112 for the Psalter. See also Index listings "Providence" p. 950; also Hymns 102-125 (God's Nature), 126-143 (Providence)
See index listing "Jesus Christ, Presence" p.946
See also Index listings: "Presence (Holy Spirit) p.949; also Hymns 395-424 (Personal Holiness)
God bless you!
| 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. |