Sunday, April 21, 2024  

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Today's Hymn
“Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart”

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 as I ought to love.

by George Croly
Hymn 688, Glory to God
verse 1

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Reflection

Have you ever been in a relationship that you can’t figure out? How should you work with, live with, even love that person? Should relationships even be puzzles, or should they just be enjoyed?

In my experience, the best relationships can bear silent togetherness — just being. You might be working (or playing) alongside someone and enjoy the work more for that person’s company. You might think wonderful things about someone but be unable to answer whether those things are friendship or something deeper. As a writer, it’s difficult for me to admit, but putting a relationship into words may not be the point.

The presence of the Holy Spirit, God’s Spirit, is beyond our power to understand. This verse is a way to build a relationship. My weakness and the earth aren’t the point. Loving as I ought to love is the point.

Sometimes I want to ask someone for advice — What do I do or say? Which should I choose? This hymn reminds me that the Holy Spirit can be that source of nearby advice.

That can help relationships, with the Holy Spirit and with everyone else.

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Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am glad you’re in charge. I’m not strong enough for that. I can’t even figure out how to love you as completely as I ought to love. Please send your Holy Spirit to work with me on that and on loving others. Amen.

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Written by Margaret Laing, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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