Grant Holy Ghost that We Behold
Grant Holy Ghost that we behold
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
- Lutheran Service Book — 693
- Lutheran Worship — 336
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 293
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.
Themes
enlightenment by Holy Spirit God's Word and Law spiritual vision divine illumination sanctification