Spirit of God Unleashed On Earth
Spirit of God, unleashed on earth
The hymn emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the empowering force for Christian witness and social transformation, consistent with Lutheran pneumatology. It reflects Pentecostal-ecumenical themes while maintaining Lutheran emphasis on the Spirit's work through Word and Sacrament in the church's mission.
History & Background
Written by Thomas H. Troeger in 1983, this contemporary hymn was first published in 1984 and appeared in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978-2006) as hymn 387. It reflects modern Pentecostal theology emphasizing the Spirit's empowerment for justice and discipleship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 287
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 387
- New Century Hymnal — 284
Bulletin Note
Written by hymnologist Thomas H. Troeger in 1983, this hymn reflects ecumenical Pentecostal themes while grounding the Spirit's work in Lutheran theology—grace, Word, Sacrament, and prophetic witness to liberation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's radical claim that the Spirit empowers costly Christian witness to justice, challenging Law-bound religiosity that resists the Spirit's transformative work in church and society.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Holy Spirit Empowerment for mission Social justice Gospel proclamation