Holy Spirit Hear Us
Holy Spirit, hear us
Holy Spirit Hear Us is a hymn text by Ludwig Helmbold (1575) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in lw 264, tlh 229.
This hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on the Holy Spirit's active role in prayer and spiritual life, consistent with Luther's catechetical teaching on invocation of the Spirit. It reflects the Reformation conviction that direct appeal to God through the Holy Spirit is the privilege of all believers.
History & Background
Ludwig Helmbold composed this hymn in German as 'Heiliger Geist, du Tröster mein' (Holy Spirit, thou Comforter mine) in 1575, originally appearing in Protestant hymnals. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in the 19th century, making it accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 264
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 229
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Ludwig Helmbold in 1575, this hymn embodies Luther's catechetical teaching that believers may invoke the Holy Spirit directly in prayer—a Reformation conviction that democratized access to God's grace for all the baptized.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Gospel truth that the Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, turning the Law's exposure of our inadequacy into Gospel comfort through the Spirit's present aid.
Overview
A simple Pentecost prayer in short lines, attributed in TLH to Joseph Mohr (of 'Silent Night') and translated by Claudia Hernaman, who wrote much for children. Come and stay (st. 1), as you came to the disciples waiting for Jesus' promise (st. 2); the Lord has ascended but does not leave his little children alone (st. 3); we cling to his promise (st. 4); give light and strength (st. 5), the sevenfold blessing and growth in grace (st. 6), and perfect us who are baptized into Christ (st. 7).
Central theme: The promised Spirit, sent by the ascended Christ, as light, strength and sanctifier of the baptized
Structure
Seven 6.5.6.5 quatrains. Come (1) — as at Pentecost (2) — not left alone (3) — the promise (4) — light and strength (5) — sevenfold gifts (6) — the baptized (7).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel: Christ's promise kept; 'Leaves He not alone'; adoption; Baptism.
Confessional Connections
1 Cor 12:7-9 (TLH's text). St. 3: 'I will not leave you as orphans' (John 14:18) — Christ comes by his Spirit and Word. St. 6, 'Spirit of Adoption' (Rom 8:15) and the 'sevenfold' gifts (Isa 11:2, the traditional seven). St. 7: the Spirit's work is tied to Baptism — 'baptized into Christ… put on Christ' (Gal 3:27; SC Baptism IV: daily drowning and rising); sanctification as the Spirit perfecting the baptized 'day and night' (LC Creed III.57-59).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Pentecost; children's services; Baptism.
Historical Notes
TLH attributes it to Joseph Mohr (1792-1848), 1816; the German original is not identified in CCEL (verify). Hernaman (1838-1898), English hymnwriter for children.
About the Tune
WEM IN LEIDENSTAGEN (Friedrich Filitz, 1847).
Scripture References
1 Cor 12:7-9 Acts 1:4-5 Acts 2:1-4 John 14:18 Acts 1:9 John 14:16-17 Ps 91:4 Ps 18:28 Eph 3:16 Rom 8:15 Isa 11:2 2 Pet 3:18 Gal 3:27 Rom 6:3-4 Phil 1:6
Stanza by Stanza
Holy Spirit, hear us on this holy day; come to us with blessing, come to stay with us.
'He dwells with you and will be in you' (John 14:17).
- Scripture
- John 14:16-17
- Imagery & language
- Sacred day; come to stay.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the abiding Spirit.
- Connection to previous
- Come.
Come as you once came to the faithful few who waited patiently for Jesus' true promise.
'Wait for the promise of the Father… you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit' (Acts 1:4-5). Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
- Scripture
- Acts 1:4-5, Acts 2:1-4
- Imagery & language
- Faithful few; promise.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — promise kept.
- Connection to previous
- As at Pentecost.
Our dear Lord has gone up to heaven; yet he does not leave his little children alone.
'I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you' (John 14:18). Ascension (Acts 1:9).
- Scripture
- Acts 1:9, John 14:18
- Imagery & language
- Ascended; little children; not alone.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — not orphaned.
- Connection to previous
- Not alone.
Now we cling in faith to his blessed promise. Most holy Comforter, spread your wing over us.
Faith clings to the promise (Rom 4:20-21). 'He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge' (Ps 91:4).
- Scripture
- Rom 4:20-21, Ps 91:4, John 14:26
- Imagery & language
- Promise; faith; wing.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — sheltered.
- Connection to previous
- Cling.
Lighten our darkness; be our Light yourself. Strengthen our weakness, Spirit of all power.
'My God lightens my darkness' (Ps 18:28). 'Strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being' (Eph 3:16).
- Scripture
- Ps 18:28, Eph 3:16
- Imagery & language
- Darkness; light; weakness; might.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — light and strength.
- Connection to previous
- Light and might.
Spirit of Adoption, make us overflow with your sevenfold blessing and grow in grace.
'You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, Abba! Father!' (Rom 8:15). The sevenfold Spirit (Isa 11:2; Rev 1:4). 'Grow in the grace' (2 Pet 3:18).
- Scripture
- Rom 8:15, Isa 11:2, 2 Pet 3:18
- Imagery & language
- Adoption; sevenfold blessing; growth.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — sonship.
- Connection to previous
- Adoption.
Grant that we who are baptized into Christ may be perfected by you, dear Spirit, day and night!
'As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ' (Gal 3:27; Rom 6:3-4). 'He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion' (Phil 1:6).
- Scripture
- Gal 3:27, Rom 6:3-4, Phil 1:6
- Imagery & language
- Baptized into Christ; perfected.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Baptism and sanctification.
- Connection to previous
- The baptized.
Themes
invocation of the Holy Spirit aid in prayer spiritual gifts intercession divine assistance