Holy Spirit, End Our Sadness
Holy Spirit, end our sadness
The hymn emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role as Comforter and Guide, consistent with Lutheran pneumatology and John 14-16. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of the Spirit's work in creating faith, providing assurance, and sustaining the Christian life through Word and Sacrament.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a prayer for comfort and the Holy Spirit's guidance. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her collection of German hymns in 1863, becoming the standard version in English-speaking Lutheran churches.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 403
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 225
- Lutheran Service Book — 656
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 617
- Lutheran Worship — 319
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 234
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this German hymn reflects the rich Reformation tradition of pneumatology, emphasizing how the Holy Spirit works through Word and Sacrament to create and sustain faith in Christ.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it names our spiritual sadness and need, then proclaims the Spirit's transformative consolation—a living testimony to how the Comforter's work sustains faith beyond the empty tomb.
Themes
Holy Spirit Consolation Assurance of grace Trinity Christian comfort