Baptize Us With Thy Spirit, Lord

1 “Baptize us with Thy Spirit, Lord,”
Out of the depths we cried.
No tongues of fire came down; it seemed
Our prayers, in silence, died.

2 But, “though it tarry, wait for it,”
Not lightly God imparts
His mighty blessings; grace and power
Need long-preparèd hearts.

3 Say, canst thou drink of that dark cup,
Where tears of anguish flow,
And, ere the baptism of fire,
Be first baptized in woe?

4 Before the voice of God doeth speak,
“As man speaks to his friend,”
A great strong wind perchance may break
The rocks, and mountains rend.

5 Still wilt thou stand before the Lord,
And for His promise wait?
The earth may quake, and shattered hopes
Leave thy life desolate.

6 Within thy heart His fire must burn,
Consuming all the dross;
Till, midst the ashes of a world,
Stands nothing but the Cross.

7 Then, in the calm, “a still small voice
Shall speak, yea, speak to thee;
Wrapped in the mangle of God’s truth
And power thy lips shall be.


Source: Hymns of Consecration and Faith #169