Come Holy Spirit

"Come Holy Spirit" is a stirring prayer for renewal that traces the movement of the Spirit from the upper room to the present day. John W. Peterson's hymn opens by looking back to Pentecost, reminding the choir and congregation of the early Christians who preached fearlessly and marched to victory. The second verse sweeps through church history, touching on the Reformation and great revivals, before bringing the focus entirely to the present moment.

For a choir, the true emotional peak of the piece arrives in the refrain. After recounting the bold faith of the past, the voices unite in an urgent, present-tense plea: "Come, Holy Spirit, dark is the hour." It is a wonderful choice for Pentecost Sunday, Confirmation Masses, or any liturgy where the church prays for a fresh outpouring of grace. The melody carries a sense of steady, marching conviction that builds into a powerful call to revive the Church today.