O for That Flame of Living Fire

O for That Flame of Living Fire

Text written in 1831 by William H. Bathurst (1796-1877)

Sung to the hymn tune MENDON, which is a German melody and was arranged in 1825 by Samuel Dyer (1785-1835)

Acts 2:3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 

V. 1 O for that flame of living fire

Which shone so bright in saints of old;

Which bade their souls to heaven aspire,

Calm in distress, in danger bold!

V. 2 Where is that spirit, Lord, which dwelt 

In Abram's breast, and sealed him Thine?

Which made Paul's heart with sorrow melt,

And glow with energy divine?

V. 3 That spirit which from age to age

Proclaimed Thy love, and taught Thy ways?

Brightened Isaiah's vivid page,

And breathed in David's hallowed lays?

Exodus 34:29 When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. 

Job 1:22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

V. 4 Is not Thy grace as mighty now

As when Elijah felt its power:

When glory beamed from Moses' brow,

Or Job endured the trying hour?

Acts 2:17 “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.'"

V. 5 Remember, Lord, the ancient days;

Renew Thy work, Thy grace restore;

And while to Thee our hearts we raise,

On us Thy Holy Spirit pour.