Come, Holy Ghost, in Love

Come, Holy Ghost, in love, shed on us from above
Thine own bright ray! Divinely good Thou art;
Thy sacred gifts impart to gladden each sad heart.
O come today!

Come, tenderest Friend, and best, our most delightful Guest,
With soothing power. Rest, which the weary know,
Shade, mid the noontide glow. Peace when deep griefs overflow.
Cheer us this hour!

Come, Light serene and still, our inmost bosoms fill,
Dwell in each breast. We know no dawn but Thine;
Send forth Thy beams divine on our dark souls to shine
And make us blessed.

Exalt our low desires, extinguish passion’s fires,
Heal every wound. Our stubborn spirits bend,
Our icy coldness end, our devious steps attend
While heavenward bound.

Come, all the faithful bless, let all who Christ confess
His praise employ; give virtue’s rich reward,
Victorious death accord, and, with our glorious Lord,
Eternal joy!

Author: Ray Palmer

Year: 1858

This is an English translation/adaptation by Ray Palmer of the traditional Latin hymn 'Veni Sancte Spiritus'. Palmer's version first appeared in 1858; the original medieval text is usually attributed to either Pope Innocent III or Stephen Langton.