We are continuing a Pentecost theme with hymns on the Holy Spirit. This one was written in 1648 by Paul Gerhardt of Saxony, Germany, a famous Lutheran hymnist. The tune shared in the video above is the one composed by John Calvin’s church musician Louis Bourgeois and could be a little faster, especially if you’re singing all five of the verses below, taken from the Lutheran Hymnary of 1913.

1 Holy Ghost, dispel our sadness,
Pierce the clouds of sinful night;
Come, Thou source of sweetest gladness,
Breathe Thy life, and spread Thy light!
Loving Spirit, God of peace!
Great distributor of grace!
Rest upon this congregation,
Hear, O hear our supplication!

2 From that height which knows no measure
As a gracious shower descend,
Bringing down the richest treasure
Man can wish, or God can send!
O Thou Glory, shining down
From the Father and the Son,
Grant us Thy illumination!
Rest upon this congregation!

3 Known to Thee are all recesses
Of the earth and spreading skies;
Every sand the shore possesses
Thy omniscient mind descries.
Holy Fountain! wash us clean
Both from error and from sin!
Make us fly what Thou refusest,
And delight in what Thou choosest!

4 Manifest Thy love for ever;
Fence us in on every side;
In distress be our reliever,
Guard and teach, support and guide!
Let Thy kind effectual grace
Turn our feet from evil ways;
Show Thyself our new creator,
And conform us to Thy nature!

5 Be our friend on each occasion,
God, omnipotent to save!
When we die, be our salvation,
When we’re buried, be our grave!
And, when from the grave we rise,
Take us up above the skies,
Seat us with Thy saints in glory,
There for ever to adore Thee!