O Fire of the Spirit, Comforter – by Hildegard of Bingen

This beautiful hymn to the Holy Spirit was written by the German abbess, Hildegard of Bingen, who lived AD 1098–1179. Translation by Sam Caldwell.

1. O Fire of the Spirit, Comforter,

Life of every life created!

Holy are you, giving life to forms.

Holy are you, anointing the critically broken.

Holy are you, cleansing the festering wounds.

2. O Breath of holiness, O Fire of love,

O sweet Taste within the breast,

that floods the heart with the good smell of virtue.

O purest Fountain, in which is seen

how God gathers the estranged

and seeks the lost.

3. O living Armor and Hope

that binds every limb,

and O belt of honor, save the blessed!

Guard those who are imprisoned by evil,

and loose the bound ones

whom divine power wills to save.

4. O mightiest Way, that penetrates

All, in the heights and in the earthly realms

And in every depth,

You bind and gather all.

From you the clouds flow forth,

the sky flies, the stones hold moisture,

the waters spring forth rivers,

and earth exudes greenness. 

5. Moreover, You always teach the learners,

through Wisdom’s inspiration,

Giving happiness.

And so may You be praised,

who are the Sound of praise,

the Joy of life, Hope and strongest Honor,

giving the spoils of light.