O Breath of God, breathe on us now,
And move within us while we pray;
The spring of our new life art thou,
The very light of our new day.

O strangely art thou with us, Lord,
Neither in height nor depth to seek:
In nearness shall thy voice be heard;
Spirit to spirit thou dost speak.

Christ is our Advocate on high;
Thou art our Advocate within:
O plead the truth, and make reply
To every argument of sin.

But ah, this faithless heart of mine!
The way I know, I know my guide;
Forgive me, O my friend divine,
That I so often turn aside.

Be with me when no other friend
The mystery of my heart can share;
And be thou known, when fears transcend,
By thy best name of Comforter.


Alfred Henry Vine (1845-1917)