George Croly (1780-1860) served a country parish and wrote poetry and novels on the side. One contributor to his literary magazine eventuated as his wife. He was asked by church leaders in 1835 to consider the challenging assignment of reopening St. Stephens Church in London, located in the worst slum of the city.At this point, the church had been closed for a century. It didn’t stop George; he accepted the call. He drew people to the church with his passionate preaching, but he also knew the work of God’s transformation was an inside job. He knew it was not his exuberant preaching that would bring about lasting change, but God who transforms hearts.
He compiled a songbook for use in worship, including many of his own hymns. The books were destroyed in a fire, but one hymn survives, “Spirit of God, Descend upon my Heart.” George entreats God’s Spirit in verse 1 to “descend upon my heart” and “wean it from earth,” then closes with the petition for the Spirit to “stoop to my weakness.” Verse 2 shifts the focus to the cross for solace and strength. Seeking God through the cross is a pathway to God’s presence. In verse 3, he asks for the Spirit to bear “the struggles of the soul,” “rising doubt,” “a rebel sigh” and patience when experiencing “unanswered prayer.” No wonder this hymn draws us in! He closes the hymn with the fitting words, “My heart the altar, thy love the flame.” It’s a worthy prayer: