Veni Creator Spiritus

Veni Creator Spiritus is a ninth-century hymn attributed to Rabanus Maurus, sung at Pentecost, ordinations and confirmations. This is John Cosin's English version from the Book of Common Prayer.

Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire,And lighten with celestial fire.Thou the anointing Spirit art,Who dost thy sevenfold gifts impart.Thy blessed unction from aboveIs comfort, life, and fire of love.Enable with perpetual lightThe dulness of our blinded sight.Anoint and cheer our soiled faceWith the abundance of thy grace.Keep far our foes, give peace at home:Where thou art guide, no ill can come.Teach us to know the Father, Son,And thee, of both, to be but One;That, through the ages all along,This may be our endless song:Praise to thy eternal merit,Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

From the Book of Common Prayer (1928)

Also on Come, Holy Spirit

Questions

Who wrote it?

Attributed to Rabanus Maurus; English by John Cosin.

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