For difficult times, God gives us the gift of hymns. The great hymns of the faith—both the classics of English hymnody and the gospel songs of the American era—contain endorphins for the soul. Sometimes when most distressed, I can only sing.
Sometimes I turn hymns into prayers for my children.
Spirit of God, descend upon ____________________’s heart;
Wean it from earth, through all its pulses move;
Stoop to his weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make him love Thee as he ought to love. (1854)
Holy Spirit, Light divine
Shine upon this child of mine
Chase the shades of night away,
Turn his darkness into day.
Holy Spirit, all divine
Dwell within this child of mine
Reign supreme and reign alone. (1864)
Revive him again, fill his heart with Thy love;
May his soul be rekindled with fire from above.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen;
Hallelujah! Thine the glory; Revive him again. (1863)