Come Oh Come O Quickening Spirit
Come, oh come, O Quickening Spirit
The hymn emphasizes the Lutheran doctrine of sanctification through the constant working of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, reflecting the Reformation emphasis on grace rather than human effort. It articulates the Spirit's role in creating faith, enabling obedience, and sustaining the Christian's relationship with God.
History & Background
Originally composed in German by Matthias Behm in the early 17th century as part of Lutheran devotional literature. Catherine Winkworth provided this widely-used English translation in her 1863 collection, making it accessible to English-speaking Protestant congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 169
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 478
- Lutheran Worship — 165
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 226
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Matthias Behm (1602), this hymn reflects core Lutheran theology: the Spirit works constantly in believers, creating faith and sustaining obedience—grace alone accomplishes what the Law demands.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Law-Gospel movement by showing how the Spirit transforms legal demand into empowering grace—the Spirit doesn't merely convict us of sin but actually enables the righteousness God requires.
Themes
Holy Spirit Sanctification Spiritual renewal Dependence on God's grace Gift of the Spirit