Come, Holy Spirit
Worship and Song #3092
Words and music by Israel Houghton
I Need Thee Every Hour
Celebration Hymnal #638
Words by Annie S. Hawks; refrain by Robert Lowry; music by Robert Lowry
Praise the Name of Jesus
Celebration Hymnal #22
Words and music by Roy Hicks, Jr.
How Great is Our God
Worship and Song #3003
Words and music by Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, and Ed Cash
The performance in this link is by the Our Lady of Good Counsel High School Gospel Choir of 2018. It begins with “Come, Holy Spirit” and incorporates “I Need Thee Every Hour,” “Praise the Name of Jesus,” and “How Great is Our God.” The video lasts 14 minutes and 14 seconds, but I encourage you to watch it to the end. There are several good soloists. Kudos to their director for drawing out such beautiful tones and emotions.
Pentecost Sunday is celebrated on the fiftieth day after Easter. It commemorates the Holy Spirit descending upon the disciples of Jesus and is considered the birthday of the Christian church. The story can be found in Acts 2 where the description of roaring winds and tongues of fire reveal the presence of the Spirit of God.
Israel Houghton’s opening phrase, “Come, Holy Spirit” suggests an invitation, a willingness to accept the Holy Spirit into our lives, into our being. This is followed by “O how we need you” in recognition of our dependence on the grace and mercy of God.
Has society become too self-sufficient? Have we set aside our need for God? This pandemic should serve as a reminder that we, the human race, are vulnerable. We need God in our lives every day, every hour, every minute. Furthermore, God stands ready, but waits for the invitation, so invite God in now. With these simple, yet powerful words. With this simple, but powerful melody.
As you invite God to enter your life Praise the name of Jesus. Allow Jesus to be your Rock, your Fortress, your deliverer. Put your trust in Jesus, for he has promised to be our refuge during life and at the hour of our death. When God is fully embraced, singing his praise comes naturally. All the world will see, the trees will clap, the oceans will roar, the birds will sing, the wind will dance, and the rocks will praise his glory.
May your hearts be set on fire with the love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
