149. God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian


1 God the Spirit, guide and guardian,
windsped flame and hovering dove,
breath of life and voice of prophets,
sign of blessing, power of love:
give to those who lead your people
fresh anointing of your grace;
send them forth as bold apostles
to your church in every place.

2 Christ our Savior, sovereign, shepherd,
Word made flesh, Love crucified,
teacher, healer, suffering Servant,
friend of sinners, foe of pride:
in your tending may all pastors*
learn and live a shepherd's care;
Grant them courage and compassion
shown through word and deed and prayer.

3 Great Creator, life-bestower,
truth beyond all thought's recall,
fount of wisdom, womb of mercy,
giving and forgiving all:
as you know our strength and weakness,
so may those the church exalts
oversee its life steadfastly
yet not overlook its faults.

4 Triune god, mysterious being,
undivided and diverse,
deeper than our minds can fathom,
greater than our creeds rehearse:
help us in our varied callings
your full image to proclaim,
that our ministries uniting
may give glory to your name.

*when appropriate, ministers, leaders, elders, or deacons may be substituted for pastors.

Text Information
First Line: God the Spirit, guide and guardian
Title: God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian
Author: Carl P. Daw, Jr., 1944-
Publication Date: 2001
Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
Scripture: Luke 3:22; Romans 11:33-36; Mark 1:10; John 14:25-27; Matthew 11:19; John 14:15-21; Matthew 3:16; John 1:14; 1 Peter 5:1-7
Language: English
Copyright: Words © 1989 Hope Publishing Company
Tune Information
Name: HYFRYDOL
Composer: Rowland H. Prichard, 1811-1887
Arranger: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1872-1958
Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
Key: F Major or modal
Copyright: Public Domain



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