1 Eternal Spirit, God of truth,
our contrite hearts inspire;
ignite a flame of heavenly love
and feed the pure desire.
O come to soothe the sorrowing mind
with guilt and fear oppressed;
O come to bid the dying live
and give the weary rest.

2 Subdue the power of every sin
and make our hearts your throne,
that we in singleness of heart
may worship God alone.
Then with our spirits witness bear,
O Spirit of our God,
that we are children of the Lord,
redeemed through Christ's own blood.

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Ps. 51:10-12, 17
st. 2 = Rom. 8:9-17

Originally entitled "For a well-grounded hope of salvation," this text by Thomas Cotterill (PHH 409) was published in Coterill’s Selection of Psalms and Hymns (1810). The text's original first line began "Eternal Spirit, source of truth."

Stanza 1 is a prayer for renewal by the Holy Spirit (see PHH 420); stanza 2 continue this prayer with allusions to Romans 8:9-17.

Liturgical Use
Pentecost; as a prayer for comfort at many other services.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook