Holy Ghost, My Comforter

Holy Ghost, my Comforter,
Now from highest Heaven appear,
Shed Thy gracious radiance here.

Thou the heart’s most precious Guest,
Thou of comforters the best,
Give to us, o’erladen, rest.

Blessèd Sun of grace, o’er all
Faithful hearts who on Thee call
Let Thy light and solace fall.

What without Thy aid is wrought,
Skillful deed or wisest thought,
God will count but vain and naught.

Cleanse us, Lord, from sinful stain,
On the parchèd spirit rain,
Heal the wounded of its pain.

Bend the stubborn will to Thine,
Melt the cold with fire divine,
Erring hearts to right incline.

Grant us, Lord, who cry to Thee,
Steadfast in the faith to be,
Give Thy gift of charity.

May we live in holiness,
And in death find happiness,
And abide with Thee in bliss!

Author: Unknown

This is an English translation of the medieval Latin hymn 'Veni Sancte Spiritus' (the 'Golden Sequence'). The original Latin text is traditionally attributed to either Pope Innocent III or Stephen Langton (13th century). The specific English rendering here does not match well-known translators such as John Austin, Edward Caswall, or Richard Littledale, so the translator is unidentified.