Filled With the Spirit's Power with One Accord
Filled with the Spirit's power, with one accord
The hymn reflects Lutheran pneumatology emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role in empowering the Church for witness and service, consistent with Lutheran teaching on the gifts and fruits of the Spirit. It grounds Christian boldness in the objective work of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost rather than subjective experience alone.
History & Background
Written by Henry H. Howorth in 1903, this hymn celebrates the Day of Pentecost and the initial empowerment of the apostles. It was included in The Hymnal (1903) and has since become a standard Pentecost hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 504
- The Hymnal 1982 — 117
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 160
- Lutheran Worship — 314
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry H. Howorth in 1903, this hymn grounds Christian boldness not in feeling but in the objective gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, reflecting classical Lutheran confidence in God's Word and Spirit working together.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the Gospel's liberating power: the Spirit breaks the chains of fear that keep us silent and empowers us to witness boldly to Christ—the good news that transforms terror into testimony.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Holy Spirit Christian unity apostolic witness missionary zeal empowerment