Ancient and Modern ‎#615a

615a. Come, living God, when least expected

1 Come, living God, when least expected,
when minds are dull and hearts are cold,
through sharpening word and warm affection
revealing truths as yet untold.

2 Break from the tomb in which we hide you
to speak again in startling ways;
break through the words in which we bind you
to resurrect our lifeless praise.

3 Come now, as once you came to Moses
within the bush alive with flame;
or to Elijah on the mountain,
by silence pressing home your claim.

4 So, let our minds be sharp to read you
in sight or sound or printed page,
and let us greet you in our neighbours,
in ardent youth or mellow age.

5 Then, through our gloom, your Son will meet us
as vivid truth and living Lord,
exploding doubt and disillusion
to scatter hope and joy abroad.

6 Then we will share his radiant brightness,
and, blazing through the dread of night,
illuminate by love and reason,
for those in darkness, faith's delight.

Text Information

• First Line: Come, living God, when least expected
• Author: Alan Gaunt (b. 1935)
• Meter: 98 98
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2013
• Scripture:
  Exodus 3:1-14
  ;
  1 Kings 19:1-15
• Topic: Doubt; God: Presence of; Light; Renewal; Truth; The Word of God
• Copyright: © 1991, Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England Used by permission.
• ONE LICENSE: 53760

Tune Information

• Name: SPIRITUS VITRE
• Composer: Mary Jane Hammond (1878-1964)
• Meter: 98 98
• Key: D Major
• Copyright: © Successor to M. J. Hammond