New hymn to Holy Spirit

Discussion in 'From Our Members' started by WendyP, Apr 27, 2018.

  1. WendyP

    WendyP Member

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    A couple of years ago at just this time of year, several of our parishioners were confirmed. I was very moved by the beautiful service and I began writing a hymn to the Holy Spirit. With Whitsun/Pentecost approaching soon, I would like to share it, and invite your feedback please (I am still relatively new to hymn-writing, and would benefit from your ideas and perspective). You can view the sheet music and listen to the melody and harmonies at https://www.musicaneo.com/sheetmusic/sm-323594_holy_spirit.html (and if you feel it would be useful in your churches or schools, you are also very welcome to download the sheet music for free).The words owe much to Hildegard of Bingen’s O Ignis Spiritus and Bishop Cosin’s translation of Veni Creator Spiritus:

    Holy Spirit

    1. Holy Spirit come, inspire me.

    Breath of God you fill my heart,

    with the Father, with the Son,

    living God in ev’ry part.


    Chorus

    Holy fire, flame of the Spirit

    gift of God above.

    Holy fire, flame of the Spirit,

    fill us with your love.


    2.Holy Spirit, come and heal us.

    When we’re troubled, bring us peace.

    Soothe our wounds, O gentle Spirit,

    deep compassion that will never cease.


    Chorus


    3.Holy Spirit, light in the darkness,

    through confusion, help me see

    you are here, our guide through the desert,

    Spirit, will you rest in me?


    Final Chorus

    Holy fire, flame of the Spirit

    gift of God above.

    Holy fire, flame of the Spirit,

    fill us with your love,

    With your love.


    One thing that occurs to me is that I have mixed the first person singular ‘I’, ‘me’, ‘my’, with the plural ‘we’, ‘us’, ‘our’ throughout and sometimes even in the same verse. I wonder whether that presents problems, do you think?

    Many thanks for your time, I very much appreciate it :)

    God Bless.
     
    Last edited: Apr 27, 2018
    WendyP, Apr 27, 2018
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  2. Will_

    Will_ Member

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    Wendy,

    Thanks for sharing this beautiful piece of music with us. I think this would indeed be most appropriate for Pentecost/Whitsunday!

    I don't think there is a problem with the way you have used singular and plural nouns and pronouns but if anyone else has thoughts I too would be interested.

    Would it be acceptable to you if I mentioned your hymn on my blog?

    Thanks,

    Will
     
    Will_, Apr 28, 2018
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  3. WendyP

    WendyP Member

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    Thank you, Will, for your kind and helpful feedback. Yes, I’m very happy for you to mention ‘Holy Spirit’ on your blog. I’d also like to visit your blog, please, if you’re happy to share the address.
    Thank you
    Wendy
     
    Last edited: Apr 29, 2018
    WendyP, Apr 29, 2018
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  4. Will_

    Will_ Member

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    Will_, Apr 29, 2018
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  5. WendyP

    WendyP Member

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    I've just had a look at your blog, Will - thought-provoking and very interesting, I'm looking forward to reading it in more detail.
    Wendy
     
    WendyP, Apr 30, 2018
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