A Word of Prayer - Pentecost

Pentecost. Restout, Jean II (1732) Louvre Museum, París, France

 
I came across some hymn lyrics in my devotion time this week that make a fitting prayer for the church as we approach Pentecost this Sunday. "Breathe on Me, Breath of God" is the best known hymn written by Edwin Hatch in 1878. Here it is (with some slight modifications to make it a corporate prayer):

Breathe on us, Breath of God,
     fill us with life anew,

that we may love what you love,
     and do what you would do.

Breathe on us, Breath of God,

     until our hearts are pure,

And our will becomes your will,

     To do and to endure.

Breathe on us, Breath of God,

     Until we are wholly yours,

And your church on earth glows

     With holy fire to change the world. Amen.