One of the most passionate hymns in history.

Title: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
Composer: Frederick C. Atkinson
Arranger: Tedd Smith

Frederick Atkinson (1841-1897) wrote the Victorian tune Morecambe, named after a town in England’s Midland district. The composer’s intent was to provide a musical setting for Henry Francis Lyte’s famous hymn, “Abide with me, fast falls the eventide” (The UM Hymnal, No. 700). Indeed the rhythm is identical between Eventide, the tune associated with “Abide with me,” and Morecambe. Morecambe is well suited for “Spirit of God” as well. In the first stanza, a descending melody accompanies the words, “descend upon my heart.” Tedd Smith, who arranged this, was the pianist for Billy Graham for years and years. It's my favorite arrangement and I'm so grateful for him.

Lyrics:
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart;
Wean it from earth; through all its pulses move.
Stoop to my weakness, mighty as Thou art,
And make me love Thee as I ought to love.
Hast Thou not bid me love Thee, God and King?
All, all Thine own, soul, heart and strength and mind.
I see Thy cross; there teach my heart to cling:
Oh, let me seek Thee, and, oh, let me find!
Teach me to feel that Thou art always nigh;
Teach me the struggles of the soul to bear,
To check the rising doubt, the rebel sigh;
Teach me the patience of unanswered prayer.
Teach me to love Thee as Thine angels love,
One holy passion filling all my frame;
The kindling of the heav’n-descended Dove,
My heart an altar, and Thy love the flame.