Thomas Toke Lynch (1818–1871)

GRACIOUS Spirit, dwell with me,—

I myself would gracious be,

And with words that help and heal

Would Thy life in mine reveal;

And with actions bold and meek

Would for Christ my Saviour speak.

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me,—

I myself would truthful be;

And with wisdom kind and clear

Let Thy life in mine appear;

And with actions brotherly

Speak my Lord’s sincerity.

Tender Spirit, dwell with me,—

I myself would tender be;

Shut my heart up like a flower

At temptation’s darksome hour;

Open it when shines the sun,

And His love by fragrance own.

Silent Spirit, dwell with me,—

I myself would quiet be,

Quiet as the growing blade

Which through earth its way has made;

Silently, like morning light,

Putting mists and chills to flight.

Mighty Spirit, dwell with me,—

I myself would mighty be,

Mighty so as to prevail

Where unaided man must fail;

Ever by a mighty hope

Pressing on and bearing up.

Holy Spirit, dwell with me,—

I myself would holy be;

Separate from sin, I would

Choose and cherish all things good;

And whatever I can be

Give to Him who gave me Thee.