Creator Spirit, Heavenly Dove (Evangelical Lutheran Worship 577)
1 Creator Spirit, heavenly dove, descend upon us from above;
with graces manifold restore your creatures as they were before.
2 To you, the Comforter, we cry; to you, the gift of God most high,
true fount of life, the fire of love, the soul’s anointing from above.
3 In you, with graces sevenfold, we God’s almighty hand behold;
while you with tongues of fire proclaim to all the world God’s holy name.
4 Your light to every sense impart, and shed your love in every heart;
your own unfailing might supply to strengthen our infirmity.
5 Keep far from us our cruel foe, and peace from your own hand bestow;
upheld by you, our strength and guide, no evil can our steps betide.
6 Teach us to know the Father, Son, and you, of both, to be but one;
that through the ages all along your praise may be our endless song.
7 Praise to your eternal merit,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Text: Rhabanus Maurus; Music: Sarum plainsong, mode VIII; Public Domain
Devotion
Today’s hymn is ascribed to an inspired monk, Rhabanus Maurus (776-856), who was a German abbot and then a bishop. Martin Luther translated the Latin roots into German and included it in the first Lutheran hymnals in 1524. This hymn is loaded with activity and movement.
While I was attending California Lutheran University, I had a friend who created a sculpture piece that included a fountain. The piece was placed in position, and it looked awesome. Then the water was connected and turned on, and the sculpture piece became full, complete, and active. The water flowing above, around, and over the piece became one with the sculptured piece. The sculptured piece was a faithful enhancement of the moving waters. So may we be faithful sculpted pieces including and reflecting the movement of God’s Spirit within us.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we pray that our lives reveal the power and presence of your Holy Spirit in such a way that our lives are not the focus, but reflect a people faithful in making your Spirit known. Amen.