A Prayer to the Holy Spirit

(Dome of the Pentecost - Bisilica di San Marco -

Venice, Italy)

O God the Holy Ghost Who art light unto thine elect, Evermore enlighten us.
Thou who art fire of love, Evermore enkindle us.
Thou who art Lord and Giver of Life, Evermore live in us.
Thou who bestowest sevenfold grace, Evermore replenish us.
As the wind is thy symbol, so forward our goings.
As the dove, so launch us heavenwards.
As water, so purify our spirits.
As a cloud, so abate our temptations.
As dew, so revive our languor.
As fire, so purge our dross.

Christina Rossetti (AD 1830-1894)