Spirit, Come With Grace Renew

This confirmation text was written for my son Peter's confirmation in 2007 and is set to the Carl Schalk tune JESUS' NAME.  The tradition here at St. John remains Palm Sunday confirmation and Maundy Thursday first communion.

1.  Spirit, come with grace, renew

     These our children called by You;

     May their souls and bodies be

     Kept by You in sanctity.

           Refrain:   Breathe on them Your living breath;

                          Keep them faithful unto death.

2.  To the font their faith we trace,

      Where You touched them with Your grace,

      Grafting them by love’s design

      As a branch into the Vine.   Refrain

                                   

3.   Help them live, O holy Fire,

      By God’s Word, as You desire;

      Purge away all worthless dross,

      Forge their lives around the cross.   Refrain

4.   In the Eucharistic meal,    

      Your forgiveness to them seal                    

      As they feed on Jesus Christ,                                 

      For their sins once sacrificed.   Refrain

5.   May they fruits of faith display,

      Firm and steadfast till that day

      When all those who Christ confess

      Shall be crowned with righteousness.   Refrain