Come, Holy Ghost, Thine Influence Shed
A short poem about the transformation of the communion bread and wine by the action of God’s Spirit.
A short poem about the transformation of the communion bread and wine by the action of God’s Spirit.
In Charles Wesley’s day, the change effected to the bread and wine in the eucharist was a matter of bitter and often ill-informed dispute. Here, he echoes the wise words of eighth-century monk St John Damascene, and simply asks the Holy Spirit to be present and to do those things which surpass reason and thought.
COME, Holy Ghost, thine influence shed,
And realize the sign;
Thy life infuse into the bread,
Thy power into the wine.
Effectual let the tokens prove,
And made, by heavenly art,
Fit channels to convey thy love
To every faithful heart.