Creator, Spirit, by whose aid
The world’s foundations first were laid,
Come, visit every waiting mind.
Come, pour Thy joys on humankind:
From sin and sorrow set us free,
And make Thy temples worthy Thee.

O Source of uncreated heat,
The Father’s promised Paraclete!
Thrice holy Fount, immortal Fire,
Our hearts with heavenly love inspire:
To sanctify us while we sing.

Plenteous of grace, descend from high,
Rich in Thy sevenfold energy!
Thou strength of His almighty hand,
Whose pow’r does heav’n and earth command,
Refine and purge our earthly parts,
And stamp Thine image on our hearts.

Rabanus Maurus. Translated by John Dryden

Copied from my grandmother’s hymnal, Hymn Book, Methodist Episcopal Church, South: Nashville, TN, 1901, Hymn #167.

Note: The hymns in this hymnal are not titled. So when I do not know the hymn, I make up a title or simply use the first line.

Photo taken in Milton, FL, 2018

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