O Holy Spirit, Grant Us Grace

"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.  He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you."  (John 16:13-14)  Part of today's daily lectionary reading from LSB, the inspired apostle records the words of our Lord first spoken to His disciples in the Upper Room on the night of His betrayal.  All the riches of salvation Christ earned for all people on the cross, the Spirit offers in the Gospel, taking from what is Christ's, declaring it, and guiding people into all truth.  Indeed the Spirit guides sinners to the One who is the very Truth, the Life, and the Way.

1.  O Holy Spirit grant us grace

        That we our Lord and Savior

    In faith and fervent love embrace

        And truly serve Him ever.

    The hour of death cannot bring loss

    When we are sheltered by the cross

       That canceled our transgressions.

2.  Help us that we Thy saving Word

        In faithful hearts may treasure;

     Let e'er that Bread of Life afford

       New grace in richest measure.

    O make us die to ev'ry sin,

    Each day create new life within,

       That fruits of faith may flourish.

3.  And when our earthly race is run,

        Death's bitter hour impending,

    Then may Thy work in us begun

       Continue till life's ending,

    Until we gladly may commend

    Our souls into our Savior's hand,

       The crown of life obtaining.

Text:  Bartholomaus Ringwaldt, 1532-99; trans. Oluf H. Smeby, 1851-1929, alt.