Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#427

427. Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit

1 Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit!
How I need your help divine!
In the way of life eternal,
keep, O keep this heart of mine.

Refrain:
Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit,
gracious Teacher, Friend divine!
For the kingdom work that calls me,
O prepare this heart of mine.

2 Grant to me your sacred presence;
then my faith will ne'er decline.
Comfort me and help me onward;
fill with love this heart of mine. Refrain

Text Information

• First Line: Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit
• Title: Dwell in Me, O Blessed Spirit
• Author: Martha J. Lankton (1899, alt.)
• Refrain First Line: Dwell in me, O blessed Spirit
• Meter: 87 87 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Topic: Pentecost and Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit; Obedience

Tune Information

• Name: DWELL IN ME
• Composer: Georgia G. Berky (1899)
• Meter: 87 87 with refrain
• Key: C Major

Text Information:

The writer of this text is listed as Martha J. Lankton, one of the many pseudonyms used by Fanny J. Crosby (PHH 473). The hymn was first published in the Sunday School Hymnal (1899) of the Reformed Church in the U.S.A. In 1941 it was published in the Hymnal of the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

Though it appears now in virtually no other hymnal, this hymn is beloved in the Christian Reformed Church and has appeared in every edition of the Psalter Hymnal. For the 1987 edition the original stanza 2 was deleted, and the final line of the refrain was changed from "For the home of bliss that waits me" to "For the kingdom work that calls me."

Patterned after Psalm 51:10-12, "Dwell in Me" is a prayer that the Spirit keep us "in the way of life eternal" (st. 1), comfort us, and prod us on to service (st. 2). The refrain sends us out of the church into the kingdom.

Liturgical Use:
As a sung prayer following the sermon at Pentecost or other Sunday worship; the reflection can be used as an independent chorus or as a frame around hymns such as 574 or 597.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Composed by Georgia Guiney Berky (nineteenth century), DWELL IN ME is a gospel tune in verse/refrain pattern with a simple harmonization. Virtually no information is available about her other than that she was married to A. G. Berky and is thought to have been a member of the Reformed Church in the U.S.A. Sing in harmony with a gentle legato accompaniment suitable for this prayer. Maintain a moderate tempo.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook