O Spirit of the living God,
In all thy plenitude of grace,
Where'er the human foot has trod,
Descend on our rebellious race.

Give tongues of fire and hearts of love
To preach the reconciling word;
Give thine anointing from above,
Whene'er the joyful sound is heard.

Be darkness, at thy coming, light;
Confusion, order in thy path;
Souls without strength inspire with might;
Bid mercy triumph over wrath.

O Spirit of the Lord, prepare
The whole round world her God to meet;
Breathe thou abroad like morning air,
Till hearts of stone begin to beat.

Baptise the nations; far and nigh
The triumphs of the cross record;
The name of Jesus glorify,
Till all the earth shall call him Lord.

God from eternity has willed
All flesh shall his salvation see;
So be the Father's love fulfilled,
The Saviour's sufferings crowned through thee.


James Montgomery (1771-1854) alt.