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 Savior 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.
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!
About the writer: Thomas Toke Lynch, an English Congregational minister, was born in Essex, England in 1818. He was pastor of a small church at Highgate until illness forced his retirement for three years (1856-1859). He resumed pastoral relations in 1860 with his former parishioners – who completed a new place of worship (Mornington Church) on Hampstead Road, London in 1862. Here he continued to preach until his death in 1871. His hymns were published in a volume titled The Rivulet, a Contribution to Sacred Song, which appeared in several editions from 1855-1868.
Key Verse: Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” –Acts 2:38