Holy Spirit do not depart from me.

 Holy Spirit, Do Not Depart from Me

A Reflection on Psalm 51:11, John 14:16-18, and Nehemiah 9:20

Holy Spirit, do not depart from me—not for a moment, not for a breath,

For without Your presence, I am a ship adrift in the sea of death.

You are the wind in my sails, the fire in my heart,

The Comforter who binds my wounds and sets my broken parts.

Do not cast me from Your presence or take Your Holy Spirit from me. (Psalm 51:11)

Stay with me in the morning, when I rise to face the day.

Stay with me in the silence, when I have no words to say.

Stay with me in the darkness, when I cannot find the light,

And be the lamp unto my feet that guides me through the night.

I need Your whisper, Your nudge, Your gentle lead.

You are the Spirit of truth, the One who meets my deepest need.

Do not leave me to my own devices, my own weak will,

For I am prone to wander, and my heart grows quickly still.

“I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to help you and be with you forever.” (John 14:16)

You gave Your Spirit to lead Your people through the wilderness of old,

A cloud by day, a fire by night, a story yet untold.

So lead me, Holy Spirit, through the desert of my fears.

Do not depart; abide with me through all my passing years.

I confess I have grieved You with my stubbornness and pride.

I have quenched Your holy fire; I have run away and hide.

But Your mercies are new every morning; Your love will not let go.

So I cling to You, O Spirit—never leave me, this I know.

You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths. (Nehemiah 9:20)

Holy Spirit, do not depart from me—not today, not ever.

Bind my heart to Yours, and let us walk together.

I surrender all my fears, my plans, my secret shame.

Stay, O Holy Spirit. I breathe Your holy name.

Amen.