Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 631)
1 Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav’n, to earth come down!
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter ev’ry trembling heart.
2 Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit;
Let us find thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
3 Come, Almighty, to deliver;
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
4 Finish then thy new creation,
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee!
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav’n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love and praise!
Text: Chares Wesley; Music: Rowland H. Prichard; Public Domain
Devotion
Today’s hymn is one that was used when my wife and I got married. I find especially meaningful the image in verse 2: “Breathe, oh breathe thy loving Spirit into every troubled breast.” Charles Wesley’s inspiring words call on God to infuse God’s people with the love that God has revealed in Christ, making a personal connection with each of us.
As that “infusion” happens to us, we may come to view whatever troubles us in a new way. Our perspective expands as we see God at work around and within us. That shift can help us to face whatever comes with the confidence that God’s Spirit of love is at work to bring new life out of every situation. These words continue to inspire me, because they give me a deeper understanding that God is at work to touch each of our lives with loving power. May you know that power in your life today!
Prayer
Powerful God, you promise that we will experience your divine love. Help us to share that love and show it in our daily lives. Amen.