Hymn of the Week: O Spirit, Come Like Gentle Rain

With the season of Pentecost approaching, I decided to write a hymn focusing on the Holy Spirit. It uses the old hymn tune from "Awake, My Soul, and with the Sun" (you can find sheet music here). The focus of the lyrics is on the Holy Spirit's ministry in growing the "fruits of the Spirit" in us. The first and last verses stand as a general introduction and conclusion to the theme, while the middle three verses each speak to the nine fruits (love, joy, and peace in verse 2; patience, kindness, and goodness in v.3; and faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in v.4).

O Spirit, Come Like Gentle Rain

O Spirit, come like gentle rain
Upon the garden of our hearts,
That we may bear the fruit that shows
The freedom that your grace imparts.

Grant us to be sons of your love
And daughters of your mighty joy;
Let the whole family of your church
Possess the peace none can destroy.

Bestow on us your patient grace
That holds fast in longsuffering;
The kindness of your mercy's depth,
The goodness of Creation's King.

Yes, let us be your faithful ones,
All gentle as a resting dove,
And fearless, wise, and self-controlled,
Like you in righteousness and love.

O Spirit, magnify yourself,
And may our lives your mirror be:
That we may shine in glory's bliss
With you throughout eternity!