Come Oh Come Thou Quickening Spirit
Come, oh come, thou Quickening Spirit
The hymn expresses Lutheran pneumatology by calling upon the Holy Spirit as the agent of sanctification and renewal in believers' lives, consistent with the doctrine of justification by faith working through the indwelling Spirit. It reflects the Protestant emphasis on the Spirit's work in conversion and Christian living as distinct from but inseparable from justification.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a prayer for the Holy Spirit's presence and power in Christian life. Catherine Winkworth provided the English translation in 1858, making it accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations and establishing it as a standard Pentecost hymn.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 406
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 478
- Lutheran Worship — 165
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 226
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm (1610), this German Pentecost hymn reflects Lutheran pneumatology, emphasizing the indwelling Spirit's sanctifying power. Its tune, Komm Gott Schöpfer, draws from medieval liturgical tradition.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies Gospel proclamation by naming the Spirit as the agent who transforms the verdict of justification into the reality of sanctification—moving hearers from the despair of spiritual death toward confident petition for daily resurrection.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Holy Spirit invocation Sanctification Spiritual renewal Grace and mercy Pentecost celebration