Help for Christians

COMMENT: HYMN - HYMN TO THE SPIRIT
On some grand occasions this hymn will be sung in full, but it will more often be used as a resource for selecting 'Holy Spirit' verses best suited to the day. Used this way there is hardly a time when it is unsuitable! The hymn aims to pick up all the major work of the Holy Spirit in Scripture. Verses 1-2 being Old Testament; verses 3-6 being the life of Jesus; verses 8 and 10 being Christ's risen life and Pentecost, and verse 11 being a final doxology. Inserted are two verses, 7 and 9, which I have marked for 'Holy Communion' and 'Confirmation'. The terms sound Anglican, but they are simply convenient short-hand terms a) for any service based on the Breaking of Bread, and b) for any service of rededication, or commissioning. I would draw your attention to three uncommon themes. a) The Spirit's work speaking through God's prophets (v.2); b) The Spirit's work in driving Christ (and us) to the desert (v.5). (See my article WILDERNESS – THE CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE). c) The Spirit's work in healing (v.6) I usually write words to existing tunes, so that folk's existing associations of the tune strengthen the message of my new words. I felt that there is always a danger for folk who are sensitive and alert to the Holy Spirit's work to focus on the Spirit. The Holy Spirit never allows this, and always points away from himself to the Father and to Jesus as Lord. I chose, therefore the tune 'All for Jesus' which comes as the glorious climax of Stainer's Crucifixion. I deliberately did not want a tune associated with the Holy Spirit! This hymn arose out of an interesting situation which I will share with you by way of encouragement. I returned home one Sunday evening in 1978 after an exhausting weekend's ministry. I collapsed into a chair, knowing that my resources were drained, and I was in desperate need to get spiritually recharged. I played a record of the 'All for Jesus' hymn, put up the volume and bathed in the Jesus-ness of it all! With tears streaming down my face in worship and healing, I thought "If only that hymn had some words to the Spirit!" I then wrote the entire hymn straight off in under an hour. It was first sung at a Fountain Trust rally in the Central Hall Westminster, and I wrote a descant for it for the occasion. [Earlier printings have had 'overshadowing' and 'empowering' written thus: overshad'wing and empow'ring. If you think anyone will have trouble fitting the words to the tune, do the same.]

HYMN - HYMN TO THE SPIRIT
Suggested Tune: 'All for Jesus' (J. Stainer) 8.7.8.7. 1. Spirit, working in creation, bringing order out of strife; come around God's gathered people, giving harmony and life. 2. Spirit, speaking through the prophets, so the voice of God was heard; come, inspire, alert your people to today's prophetic word. 3. Spirit, overshadowing Mary as the Christ-child in her grew; come, so that the Christ within us may today be born anew. 4. Spirit, coming from the Father as a dove upon our Lord; come upon your favoured people, may your blessings be outpoured. 5. Spirit, driving to the desert even God's Anointed One; come to us in trial and testing, that God's will in us be done. 6. Spirit, bringing freedom, blessing, help to poor, and health to lame; come, anoint us, that such wonders may be done in Jesus' Name. 7. (Additional verse for Holy Communion) Spirit, taking, breaking, making bread and wine our heavenly food; come, and take us, break us, make us, live Christ's life in us renewed. 8. Spirit, breathed on the disciples, giving peace where there was fear: come among us, touch us, send us, making Jesus' presence near. 9. (Additional verse for Confirmation) Spirit, coming to Christ's servants to confirm, enrich, empower; come upon us, and the churches, for our witness at this hour. 10. Spirit, wind and flame empowering fearless witness to the lost; come, unite, "renew your wonders as of a new Pentecost!" 11. Praise and glory Holy Spirit, for your love on us outpoured; giving honour to the Father, and proclaiming JESUS- LORD. John Richards, 1978, Copyright waived for users of Help for Christians.co.uk