1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2
In the worship class I teach for Stark College and Seminary, we have been contemplating the nature of the Trinity and reviewing worship songs that celebrate the different aspects of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. While the Father and Son are regularly acknowledged, much of our music neglects the Holy Spirit’s importance and function in our lives.
Jurgen Moltmann compares the Spirit of God’s “hovering” in Genesis to a vibrating guitar string. Yes, I love the musical reference. That vibration is the active part of the creative God that not only helped shape the universe, but is making us new as well. When we talk about being made into a new creation, it is the Holy Spirit creating something new out of us. When we ask God to guide us, it the Holy Spirit is guiding us. When we feel convicted of sin, it is the Holy Spirit convicting us. When we don’t know how to pray, it is the Holy Spirit interceding for us. When we demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, it is the Holy Spirit fruiting in us…I know, it’s not a word.
We often sing songs about the Father and the Son, but when we worship we are actually praising through the Spirit. This Sunday as we talk about the fruit of the Spirit, we will sing the song, “Holy Spirit” by Keith and Kristen Getty. This song appropriately prayerfully invites the living, creative, renewing power of the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. Join us at 9:30 am or 11 am for worship, live or online!
In Christ,
Ray
Holy Spirit by Keith and Kristen Getty
Holy Spirit, living breath of God,
Breathe new life into my willing soul.
Bring the presence of the risen Lord,
To renew my heart and make me whole.
Cause Your Word to come alive in me;
Give me faith for what I cannot see,
Give me passion for Your purity;
Holy Spirit, breathe new life in me.
Holy Spirit, come abide within,
May Your joy be seen in all I do.
Love enough to cover every sin,
In each thought and deed and attitude.
Kindness to the greatest and the least,
Gentleness that sows the path of peace.
Turn my strivings into works of grace;
Breath of God show Christ in all I do.
Holy Spirit, from creation's birth,
Giving life to all that God has made,
Show Your power once again on earth,
Cause Your church to hunger for your ways.
Let the fragrance of our prayers arise;
Lead us on the road of sacrifice,
That in unity the face of Christ
Will be clear for all the world to see.
We use this prayers of Patrick as we come to conference
Christ be with me, Christ within me
Christ behind me and Christ before me
Christ beside me and Christ in me
Christ to comfort and restore me
Christ beneath me and Christ above me
Christ in quiet and Christ in danger
Christ in hearts of all that love me
Christ a mighty friend no stranger
I bind unto myself the name the strong name of the Trinity by the
Invocation of the same the three in one and one in three of
Whom all men shall have creation eternal Father Spirit worthy
Praise to the Lord of my salvation
Salvation is of Christ the Lord
Amen