Lord, in thy presence dread and sweet,
thine own dear Spirit we entreat
his sevenfold gifts to shed
on us, who fall before thee now,
bearing the cross upon our brow
on which our Master bled.
Spirit of Wisdom! turn our eyes
from earth and earthly vanities,
to heavenly truth and love.
Spirit of Understanding true!
Our souls with holy light endue
to seek the things above.
Spirit of Counsel! be our guide;
teach us by earthly struggles tried
our heavenly crown to win.
Spirit of Fortitude! thy power
be with us in temptation's hour,
to keep us pure from sin.
Spirit of Knowledge! lead our feet
in thine own paths secure and sweet,
by angel footsteps trod;
where thou our Guardian true shalt be,
Spirit of gentle Piety!
To keep us close to God.
But most of all, be ever near,
Spirit of God's most holy Fear,
in our heart's most inmost shrine;
our souls with loving reverence fill,
to worship his most holy Will
all-righteous and divine.
So, dearest Lord, through peace or strife,
lead us to everlasting life,
where only rest may be.
What matter where our lot is cast,
if only it may end at last
in paradise with thee!