Scripture References:
st. 1 = Acts 2:2-3, 2 Cor. 13:14
st. 2 = John 17:21, Acts 4:32, Eph. 4:3
Believing that there were too many hymns about the Holy Spirit that focused on the individual believer and too few about the work of the Spirit in the community of saints, John R. Peacey (PHH 325) wrote this text in 1967. Peacey's text includes two common biblical expressions about the Spirit's work: "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit" (2 Cor. 13: 14) and "the unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3). Written after Peacey's retirement from missionary service in India, "Filled with the Spirit's Power" was first published in 100 Hymns for Today (1969), a supplement to Hymns Ancient and Modern.
The text is a prayer for true unity, for a spirit of servanthood, and for a genuine love that is able to "embrace the people of all lands and every race." But only the Holy Spirit can accomplish this work. Just as the New Testament church described in Acts 2:42-47 experienced "the fellowship of the Holy Spirit," we, too, can see the Spirit's work in the Christian community.
Liturgical Use:
Pentecost; worship that focuses on the church, its unity, and worldwide ministries.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
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