When the Savior rose to glory,
There to share His Father’s throne,
Leaving here, to tell His story,
All His chosen and His own,
As a parting pledge of favor
His most precious gift He sent,
Even the Eternal Spirit–
Crown of Christ’s new covenant
A convicter to accuse us,
To rebuke the pride within;
With the two-edged sword to smite us
And expose our hidden sin.
Then a comforter to cheer us,
To remind us of the blood,
Bringing rest to troubled conscience,
Showing we have peace with God
Holy Spirit, sent from heaven,
Now enlighten our dark mind,
That the Scriptures You have given
May in us a welcome find
There reveal our gracious Savior-
Perfect Lamb, High Priest, Bridegroom-
Glorify Him, make us like Him,
Till He comes and takes us home
Make our lives a bounteous vineyard
Where Your holy fruit may grow,
That the Master of the vineyard
Pleasure from His fruit may know.
Christ, we come for living water,
That the desert lands around
Also may be rich and fertile
And with fruits of love abound.
Fiery Spirit, Wind from heaven,
Oh, we need revival now!
Stir us, rouse us from our slumber;
With full strength and pow’r endow
May all members of Christ’s body
Fully use the Spirit’s gifts,
That together to all nations
We the cross may soon uplift.
May be sung to the tune of “Love Divine, All Love Excelling”
Reprint from February, 1994, Word and Work Magazine
-Alex Wilson lives in Louisville, KY and is Editor of “Word & Work” and preaches for the Portland Avenue Church of Christ.