Send, O Lord, Your Holy Spirit
The hymn embodies Lutheran pneumatology, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's gift of authority for forgiveness and apostolic mission as instituted by Christ. It connects Pentecostal empowerment with the ongoing ministry of the church, particularly the pastoral office and its power to forgive sins.
History & Background
This German hymn was composed by Martin Behm in the early 17th century and reflects Lutheran understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in the church. The text was translated into English for The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) and has appeared in subsequent Lutheran hymnals including Lutheran Worship and Lutheran Service Book.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 681
- Lutheran Worship — 263
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 491
Translation
The Lutheran Hymnal translation committee
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1600, this hymn embodies Lutheran theology of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for forgiveness and pastoral ministry, linking Pentecost to the church's living witness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens the Gospel's proclamation of Christ's post-Resurrection commission by anchoring the church's ongoing authority to forgive sins—not in human merit, but in the perpetual sending of the Holy Spirit.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Office of the Keys Small Catechism — Confession
- Confession of Sin Small Catechism — Confession
Themes
Holy Spirit apostolic ministry forgiveness of sins spiritual authority missiology