The Cheerful Beams of the Spirit

St Augustine

O Holy Spirit, Love of God, pour out your grace, and descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners

of this neglected dwelling, and scatter there your cheerful beams. Dwell in that soul that longs to be your temple. Water that barren soil,

overrun with weeds and briars, and lost for lack of cultivating, and make it fruitful with your dew from heaven. Come, refreshment of those who languish and faint. Come, Star and Guide of those who sail

in the tempestuous sea of the world.

You are the only Haven of the tossed and shipwrecked. Come, Glory and Crown of the living,

and only Safeguard of the dying. Come, Holy Spirit, in your great mercy,

and make me fit to receive you. Amen.

Augustine of Hippo, Fourth Century