Come, Holy Spirit

"Come, Holy Spirit" is a classic inspirational song from the late John W. Peterson, this anthem pleads for God's spirit to lead and guide us now as in the times of the great revivals. This new arrangement is respectful of Mr. Peterson's legacy and contains a pertinent message for the modern church. 

A classic inspirational song from the late John W. Peterson is crafted into an evocative anthem that takes the words of his dramatic Pentecost song of praise and lifts it to new expressive levels. A chronicle of the Christian church, this anthem pleads for God's Spirit to lead and guide us now as in the times of the great revivals. This is a pertinent message for the modern church and its mission. This choral challenge is a true sermon in song.

John Willard Peterson (November 1, 1921 – September 20, 2006) was a songwriter who had a major influence on evangelical Christian music in the 1950s through the 1970s. He wrote over 1000 songs, and 35 cantatas.

Born in Lindsborg, Kansas, he served as an Army Air Force pilot flying the China Hump during World War II. Later, he attended Moody Bible Institute and served on the radio staff there for a number of years.

In 1953, he graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and shortly thereafter settled in Pennsylvania to continue his songwriting career. He then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where for over ten years he was President and Editor-in-Chief of Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company. While there, he compiled and edited a hymnal called "Great Hymns of the Faith", (c) 1961. He also served on the board of Gospel Films, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan.

He also had direct contact with popular Christian musicians of the day such as Bill Pearce and Dick Anthony. He resided in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continued to write music. Peterson died September 20, 2006, aged 84, following a bout with prostate cancer.

Some of his more popular song titles include "It Took a Miracle", "Over the Sunset Mountains", "Heaven Came Down", "So Send I You", "Springs of Living Water", "Jesus is Coming Again", "Surely Goodness and Mercy", "This is the day that the Lord hath made" and "O Glorious Love". His cantatas include Night of Miracles and Down From His Glory.

In 1986, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!

Come, Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit came at Pentecost
He came in mighty fullness then
His witness through believers won the lost
And multitudes were born again.

The early Christians scattered o’er the world
They preached the gospel fearlessly
Tho’ some were martyred and to lions hurled
They marched along in victory

Chorus
Come, Holy Spirit, dark is the hour
We need your filling
Your love and your mighty power
Move now among us stir us we pray
Come, Holy Spirit revive the church today

Then in an age when darkness gripped the earth
The just shall live by faith was learned
The Holy Spirit gave the church new birth
As reformation fires burned.

In later years the great revivals came
When saints would seek the Lord and pray
O once again we need that holy flame
To meet the challenge of today

Chorus
Come, Holy Spirit, dark is the hour
We need your filling
Your love and your mighty power
Move now among us stir us we pray
Come, Holy Spirit revive the church today
.
Come, Holy Spirit, dark is the hour
We need your filling
Your love and your mighty power
Move now among us stir us we pray
Come, Holy Spirit . . .
Revive the church today
Revive the church today
Revive the church today!