AT PENTECOST, GOD'S SPIRIT CAME

I wrote the hymn “At Pentecost, God’s Spirit came” in 1993 for my induction as the Vicar of St. Francis of Assisi, Barkingside. It was later published by the Chelmsford Liturgical Committee in one of their booklets. I am very happy for it to be used and copied. It is sung to the tune Melita.

1. At Pentecost, God's Spirit came
In rushing wind and living flame,
It came with power to blaze abroad
The Good News of the Living Lord:
O Holy Spirit, Heavenly dove,
Send us your gifts of power and love.

2. The Apostles changed from weak to brave
And far and wide the message gave
Of Jesus Christ, God's only Son
Who on the cross the victory won:
O Holy Spirit, Heavenly dove,
Send us your gifts of power and love.

3. So people did the faith receive
And in Christ Jesus did believe;
Inspired in heart and mind and thought
They kept the truth th'Apostles taught:
O Holy Spirit, Heavenly dove,
Send us your gifts of power and love.

 4. And down the years until today
God's Spirit taught the Church the Way;
In danger's hour it made it strong
To work for right and challenge wrong:
O Holy Spirit, Heavenly dove,
Send us your gifts of power and love.
 
5. Come, Holy Spirit, in your power
To guide the Church and on it shower
Your sevenfold gifts, that it may be
A sign for all the world to see:
So shall our God be glorified
With Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

© Mervyn Jennings 1993