O Lord Send Forth Your Spirit
O Lord, send forth Your Spirit bright
This hymn embodies Lutheran pneumatology by calling upon the Holy Spirit to vivify the church and illumine believers in faith and understanding. It reflects the Reformed emphasis on the Spirit's active role in sanctification and the church's mission.
History & Background
Martin Luther composed this German hymn in 1524 as part of his reformation efforts, originally titled 'Komm, Heiliger Geist, Herre Gott.' Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, and it has remained a standard Pentecost hymn in Lutheran hymnals since.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 403
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 392
- Lutheran Service Book — 497
- Lutheran Worship — 150
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 224
Translation
Bulletin Note
Luther's 1524 hymn invokes the Spirit for the church's vivification and the believer's illumination. Set to the sturdy tune Komm Heiliger Geist, it voices Reformation confidence in the Spirit's active sanctifying presence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops Lutheran pneumatology by presenting the Spirit's sanctifying work as the Gospel response to our sinful inability—the divine antidote that empowers faithful living and transforms the church's mission.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Invocation of the Trinity for faith, mercy, and peace, culminating in doxological praise
Themes
Holy Spirit invocation Church empowerment Renewal and illumination Divine protection