Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers

“Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers” is a thoughtful and reverent hymn by Andrew Reed that reflects a deep dependence upon the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and in the worship of the church. Written in the early nineteenth century, the hymn gives voice to the biblical truth that prayer is not merely a human exercise, but a spiritual act that requires divine help. Reed presents the Spirit not as a distant influence, but as the gracious Helper promised by Christ, who abides with believers and enables true communion with God.

The hymn is firmly grounded in Scripture’s teaching on the Spirit’s role in prayer. It echoes the apostle Paul’s assurance that “the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities” and intercedes for believers according to the will of God (Romans 8:26-27, KJV). Reed acknowledges human weakness and spiritual dullness, confessing that without the Spirit’s aid, prayer becomes empty and powerless. This honest posture of dependence gives the hymn a humility that resonates deeply with Christian experience.

A strong Trinitarian balance runs throughout the hymn. Access to the Father is sought through prayer, made possible by the work of Christ, and energized by the presence of the Holy Spirit. This reflects the biblical pattern that “through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father” (Ephesians 2:18, KJV). Reed’s language carefully avoids emotional excess, instead emphasizing the Spirit’s work in guiding truth, awakening holy desires, and aligning the heart with God’s will, in harmony with Christ’s promise that the Spirit would lead believers into all truth (John 16:13, KJV).

“Spirit Divine, Attend Our Prayers” has found enduring use in both public worship and private devotion, especially in services focused on prayer, renewal, and dependence upon God. Its lasting strength lies in its scriptural clarity and devotional sincerity, reminding the church that genuine prayer flows from hearts taught, stirred, and sustained by the Spirit of grace and supplication (Zechariah 12:10, KJV).