Release my spirit! This is what I need

Release my spirit! This is what I need:

O may my spirit with the saints’ be knit;

No more in private ways Thyself to seek

But freed from self and for Thy building fit.

Release my spirit! This is what I ask

That self-confined or closed I may not be;

How deep within myself I long have been

If Thou deliver not

I’ll ne’er be free.

Release my spirit! ’Tis for this I pray

That from myself I fully may come forth;

Thy Spirit then through me may freely flow

And Thou Thy presence fully may show forth.

Release my spirit! This is what I want

That I from my seclusion may depart;

My private seeking poverty has brought

Now save from self

Thy wealth to me impart.

Release my spirit! This is what I seek

That prisoned in my self no more I’ll be;

By Satan’s cunning cheated nevermore

But loosed from self to Thine infinity.

Release my spirit! ’Tis for this I yearn

That self may bind my spirit nevermore;

With all the saints I’d mingle in Thy life

And all Thou art enjoy forevermore.