"We Now Implore God the Holy Ghost"

                   by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

                               Text From:

                       THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL

        (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)







        1. We now implore the Holy Ghost

        For the true faith, which we need the most,

        That in our last moments He may befriend us

        And, as homeward we journey, attend us.

        Lord, have mercy.



        2. Shine in our hearts, O most precious Light,

        That we Jesus Christ may know aright,

        Clinging to our Savior, whose blood hath bought us.

        Who again to our homeland hath brought us.

        Lord, have mercy.



        3. Thou sacred Love, grace on us bestow,

        Set our hearts with heavenly fire aglow

        That with hearts united we love each other,

        Of one mind, in peace with every brother.

        Lord, have mercy!



        4. Thou highest Comfort in every need,

        Grant that neither shame nor death we heed,

        That e'en then our courage may never fail us

        When the Foe shall accuse and assail us.

        Lord, have mercy!



        


        Notes:

        Hymn 231 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_

        Text: John 16: 13

        Author: unknown, stanza 1

        Author: Martin Luther, stanzas 2-4, 1524

        Translated by: composite

        Titled: "Nun bitten wir den Heiligen Geist"

        Tune: "Nun bitten wir"

        Sacred melody, c. 1100