Spirit of the Living God

This wee, we're introducing a new arrangement of "Spirit of the Living God" by Meredith Andrews. This hymn (words and music) was written in 1926 by Daniel Iverson, a Presbyterian minister. After attending a revival meeting, the he was inspired to write about how the Holy Spirit stirred his heart.

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me,
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.

It has been adopted by many church denominations, including the United Methodist Church. Here are some of it's themes and how it connects to scripture.

Spirit’s Transforming Power

  • 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NLT): “For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
    • This speaks to how the Spirit transforms believers, making them more like Christ.

The Holy Spirit as Guide and Teacher

  • John 14:26 (NLT): “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
  • The song reflects a desire for the Spirit’s guidance and teaching, which is a key role of the Holy Spirit as described in this passage.

Anointing for Service

  • “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
    • This verse connects with the call in the song for the Spirit’s presence and power to equip believers for service.

Renewal and Filling of the Spirit

  • Ephesians 5:18 (NLT): “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
    • The song’s request for the Spirit to “fall fresh” echoes this scripture’s call to continually be filled with the Holy Spirit.
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