Psalter Hymnal (Gray) ‎#415

415. Spirit, Working in Creation

Text Information

• First Line: Spirit, working in creation
• Title: Spirit, Working in Creation
• Author: John Richards (1978)
• Meter: 87 87 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1987
• Scripture:
  Genesis 1:2
  ;
  Matthew 3:16
  ;
  Matthew 4:1
  ;
  Mark 1:10
  ;
  Mark 1:12
  ;
  Luke 3:22
  ;
  Luke 4:1
  ;
  John 1:33
  ;
  John 20:22
  ;
  John 1
  ;
  John 20
  ;
  Luke 3
  ;
  Luke 4
  ;
  Mark 1
  ;
  Matthew 3
  ;
  Matthew 4
• Topic: Illumination; Pentecost and Holy Spirit; Holy Spirit; Missions; Peace; Trinity; Word of God
• Copyright: © John Richards

Tune Information

• Name: SUNRISE
• Meter: 87 87 D
• Key: G Major
• Source: Kyriale, Luxembourg, 1768

Text Information:

Scripture References:
st. 1 = Gen. 1:2, 2 Pet. 1:21
st. 2 = Matt. 3:16, Matt. 4:1, Mark 1:10, 12, Luke 3:22; 4:1, John 1:32-33
st. 3 = John 20:22

With John Stainer's ALL FOR JESUS tune in mind, John Richards (b. Bournemouth, Hampshire, England, 1939) wrote this text in 1978. It was published in Cry Hosanna (1980) in ten four-line stanzas. The original stanzas 1 and 2, 4 and 5, and 8 and 10 are included in three eight-line stanzas.

Like 416, this text is a biblical study of the ministry of the Holy Spirit: in creation and inspiration (st. 1), in the life of Christ and his people (st. 2), and in the church (st. 3). Although the emphasis is on the work of the Spirit, the text clearly recognizes that the Spirit always points to Christ.

Richards received his education at St. John's College in Durham, Emmanuel College in Cambridge, England, and Queen's College in Birmingham, England. Having served as the curate at several parishes in southern England and as a school chaplain, he is currently the director of Renewal Services, a parachurch organization. Richards has published several books, including Exorcism, Deliverance and Healing (1976) and The Church’s Healing Ministry (1986).

Liturgical Use:
Pentecost (entire hymn); other times of the church year–stanzas 1 and 3 as a sung prayer for illumination or as response to the sermon, stanza 3b as a doxology.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook

Tune Information:

Sometimes known as OMNI DIE, SUNRISE was first published in the 1768 Supplementum to the Luxembourg Kyriale. After its inclusion in Gesang und Gebetbuch (Trier, 1847), the tune gained popularity. SUNRISE attained its name because of its publication with William Bright's morning hymn "At thy feet, O Christ we lay" in Hymns Ancient and Modern Revised (1950).

A bar form (AAB) tune, SUNRISE is marked by a number of repeated tones. The active harmonization will delight choirs and challenge part-singing congregations. Sing stanzas 1 and 3 in unison with brisk accompaniment; sing stanza 2 in harmony unaccompanied.

--Psalter Hymnal Handbook