O Holy Spirit, Enter In
O Holy Spirit, enter in
The hymn emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as sanctifier and guide of believers, central to Lutheran understanding of Christian living after justification. It reflects the Orthodox Lutheran emphasis on the Spirit's work in transforming the believer into a living temple of God.
History & Background
Written by Philipp Friedrich Böhm in 1661 as part of a German hymnal contribution during the Baroque era. The hymn was translated into English by Martin H. Behm in 1927 and has since become a standard Pentecost hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 786
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 459
- Lutheran Service Book — 913
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 235
- Lutheran Worship — 160
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 235
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Philipp Friedrich Böhm in 1661, this German hymn embodies Orthodox Lutheran piety, emphasizing the Spirit's role in making believers living temples. Its simple elegance and theological depth made it a staple of Lutheran devotion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Gospel's promise of justification by faith by focusing on the Spirit's sanctifying work—how God's grace doesn't end at conversion but continues reshaping the believer into Christ's likeness through the Spirit's daily indwelling and renewal.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Holy Spirit indwelling Sanctification Temple of the Holy Spirit Christian growth Consecration