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Grant Holy Ghost that We Behold

Grant Holy Ghost that we behold

Grant Holy Ghost that We Behold is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1602) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in CW21 591, CW93 185, ELH 25, lsb 693. Sung to GOTT DES HIMMELS.

This hymn exemplifies Lutheran piety by invoking the Holy Spirit's role in illuminating Scripture and revealing God's truth to believers. The text reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the Spirit's work in converting sinners and conforming them to Christ through the Word.

History & Background

Martin Behm's German hymn 'Gott heiliger Geist, du Tröster wert' was published in early 17th century German hymnals. The English text is a composite translation that emerged through various Lutheran hymnals in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 591
  • Christian Worship — 185
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 25
  • Lutheran Service Book — 693
  • Lutheran Worship — 336
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 293

Translation

composite English translation

Bulletin Note

Martin Behm (1557–1622) wrote this hymn during the Reformation's consolidation, expressing the Lutheran faith's confidence in the Spirit's work through Scripture to transform sinners into saints.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that the Spirit works through the Word to convert and sanctify: it moves us from spiritual blindness (Law) to the Gospel gift of sight in Christ, making it a perfect response to proclamation of both judgment and grace.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Petitionary prayer moving from personal plea for God's faithfulness, to remembrance of grace and the Holy Spirit's sustenance, to affirmation of God as ultimate strength despite human weakness, concluding with urgent reiteration of the opening petition.

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Septuagesima (3×)
  • Trinity 10 (3×)
  • Lent 2 (2×)
  • Pentecost (1×)
  • Trinity 8 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Epiphany 5 (2×)
  • Proper 17 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

enlightenment by Holy Spirit God's Word and Law spiritual vision divine illumination sanctification

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