Septuagesima 121. Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost

[455]Charity:

John Stainer, 1868

Christopher Wordsworth, 1862

Gracious Spirit, Holy Ghost,

Taught by thee we covet most,

Of thy gifts at Pentecost,

Holy, heavenly love.

Love is kind, and suffers long,

Love is meek, and thinks no wrong,

Love than death itself more strong;

Therefore, give us love.

Prophecy will fade away,

Melting in the light of day;

Love will ever with us stay;

Therefore, give us love.

Faith will vanish into sight;

Hope be emptied in delight;

Love in heaven will shine more bright;

Therefore, give us love.

Faith and hope and love we see,

Joining hand in hand, agree,

But the greatest of the three

And the best, is love.

From the overshadowing

Of thy gold and silver wing,

Shed on us, who to thee sing,

Holy, heavenly love.

Amen.