Spirit of Gentleness

Refrain

Spirit, Spirit of gentleness,

blow through the wilderness calling and free;

Spirit, Spirit of restlessness,

stir me from placidness, wind, wind on the sea.

1   You moved on the waters, you called to the deep,

then you coaxed up the mountains from the valleys of sleep;

and over the eons you called to each thing:

"Awake from your slumbers and rise on your wings."  Refrain

2   You swept through the desert, you stung with the sand,

and you goaded your people with a law and a land;

and when they were blinded with idols and lies,

then you spoke through your prophets to open their eyes.  Refrain

3   You sang in a stable, you cried from a hill,

then you whispered in silence when the whole world was still;

and down in the city you called once again,

when you blew through your people on the rush of the wind.  Refrain

4   You call from tomorrow, you break ancient schemes.

From the bondage of sorrow all the captives dream dreams;

our women see visions, our men clear their eyes.

With bold new decisions your people arise.  Refrain

Text: James K. Manley, b. 1940

Text © 1978 James K. Manley, admin. Augsburg Fortress.
 

Holy Spirit, Truth Divine

1   Holy Spirit, truth divine,

dawn upon this soul of mine;

breath of God and inward light,

wake my spirit, clear my sight.

2   Holy Spirit, love divine,

glow within this heart of mine;

kindle ev'ry high desire;

purge me with your holy fire.

3   Holy Spirit, pow'r divine,

fortify this will of mine;

by your will I strongly live,

bravely bear, and nobly strive.

4   Holy Spirit, peace divine,

still this restless heart of mine;

speak to calm this tossing sea,

stayed in your tranquility.

5   Holy Spirit, right divine,

king within my conscience reign;

be my guide, and I shall be

firmly bound, forever free.

Text: Samuel Longfellow, 1819-1892

Public Domain