Holy Spirit God of Love
Holy Spirit, God of love
This hymn reflects Lutheran pneumatology, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's role as the source of divine love, sanctification, and Christian comfort. It articulates the Spirit's work in strengthening faith, guiding believers, and transforming hearts according to Gospel truth.
History & Background
Originally composed in German by Friedrich Räthel in the mid-19th century, this hymn became widely used in German Lutheran worship. Matthias Loy provided the English translation in 1880, and it was included in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 230.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 262
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 230
Translation
Bulletin Note
Friedrich Räthel (1850). This German hymn embodies classic Lutheran pneumatology: the Spirit's work inseparable from Word and Sacrament, transforming hearts toward sanctification and Gospel comfort.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the Lutheran promise that the Holy Spirit, poured out at Pentecost, continually works through the Gospel to comfort the troubled conscience and empower the faithful for Christian living.
Themes
Holy Spirit God's love Comfort and guidance Sanctification Christian living