“Healing and Power”
Even within the vast treasure of the Church’s global song, it is difficult to imagine a hymn more enriching that Philip Blycker’s “Holy Spirit, the Dove Sent from Heaven”/”Santo Espíritu, excelsa paloma”. [LSB 502]
Working in Guatemala City in the 1970s Blycker sought to explore the Scriptural witness to the names and roles of the Holy Spirit. What a varied and nuanced list he uncovered! It gives new life to our “high and holy calling” as those who lead the Church’s song. It greatly unpacks our confession of the Third Article of the Creed and the Latin flavor of the music pulls everyone into the multi-layered riches of the text. (And don’t miss Bob Hobby’s rollicking arrangement with organ, instruments, and voices or the Hart Morris handbell setting---both from CPH.)
The Spirit is gentle, descending as a dove, speaking tenderly to us. It is also a great wind and fire conveying the power of God. It cleanses and enlightens through the Word. The Spirit brings light to a bleak and darkening world. What a gift!
Holy Spirit, come and fill our temples with your divine presence
as we sing the story and praises of the One who cleanses us and
makes us whole every moment of our lives and ministry. Amen.
Make your summer a Spirit-filled time of reflection and renewal! Blessings…
Barry Bobb
Director
Holy Spirit, the dove sent from heaven,
Ever one with the One who is Three,
From the Father you came, words of peace to proclaim,
Come and comfort us, speak tenderly.
You, the fragrance of life we are seeking;
Fill your temple, your altar make clean.
Joyous shelter of love, gracious friend from above,
In your care we are resting, serene.
Holy Spirit, the fire celestial,
Who on Pentecost came as foretold,
To descend from on high and the Church occupy
As the cloud filled the temple of old;
All the baptized you seal with your promise,
All believers your gift there receive,
So that all the elect---all in Christ---may expect
To enjoy what by grace they believe.
Holy Spirit, the unction of blessing,
Sacred oil of the green olive tree,
Giving heat, giving light, as the tent lamps ignite
And as Aaron praised God joyfully.
Blessed living and life-giving water,
Now preserve us from evil within;
For in Jesus, God’s Son, all believers are one
In this washing that cleanses from sin.
Holy Spirit, the wind of great power,
Source of strength and of peace and of love,
Truest Comforter, plead, as you bring all our need
To the throne of God’s glory above.
Be the light that enlightens the Scriptures;
Keep our feet from each devilish snare;
Only you can make whole all that troubles our soul,
By your chrism, Christ’s triumph we share.
………
English text: © 2004 Stephen P. Starke; admin. Concordia Publishing House.
