I have posted over on World Without End some thoughts on Pentecost, but the season is really sticking in my head this year. Possibly because I have learned to incorporate classic devotional texts in my daily reading this last year. My good friend JD Walt posted a great poem that has been in use for hundreds of years associated with Pentecost called the Veni Creator (Come Creator Spirit).
For those of you who aren't in a tradition oriented church, poems like these were written as mystical meditations on the various characteristics and attributes of God. The Veni Creator is a great primer, so I highly suggest taking a week of deep reading of it.
Come, Creator Spirit,
visit the minds of those who are yours;
fill with heavenly grace
the hearts that you have made
You who are named the Paraclete,
gift of God most high,
living fountain, fire, love
and anointing for the soul.
You are sevenfold in your gifts,
you are finger of God’s right hand,
you, the Father’s solemn promise
putting words upon our lips.
Kindle a light in our senses,
pour love into our hearts,
infirmities of this body of ours
overcoming with strength secure.
The enemy drive from us away,
peace then give without delay;
with you as guide to lead the way
we avoid all cause of harm.
Grant that we may know the Father through you,
and come to know the Son as well,
and may we always cling in faith
to you, the Spirit of them both.
Amen.
Rhabanus Maurus, Abbot of Fulda, Archbishop of Mainz. 780-856 AD Translation by P. Raniero Cantalamessa
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