Come, Holy Spirit, Heav'nly Dove - Hymn with Lyrics

1. Come, Holy Spirit, heav'nly Dove,
with all Thy quick'ning pow'rs;
kindle a flame of sacred love
in these cold hearts of ours.

2. O raise our thoughts from things below,
from vanities and toys;
then shall we with fresh courage go
to reach eternal joys.

3. Awake our souls to joyful songs;
let pure devotion rise,
till praise employs our thankful tongues,
and doubt forever dies.

4. Come, Holy Spirit, heav'nly Dove,
with all Thy quick'ning pow'rs;
come, shed abroad a Savior's love,
and that shall kindle ours.

Scripture; 

Genesis 1:1-2; 

Psalm 85:6; 

Amos 5:18-24; 

Matthew 24:12

"Come, Holy Spirit, Heav'nly Dove" is a hymn written by Isaac Watts, one of the most influential hymn writers in the English-speaking world. Watts penned this hymn in 1707, and it reflects his deep theological understanding and poetic skill.

Background of the Hymn

1. Isaac Watts' Hymnody: Watts sought to reform the congregational singing of his time, which relied heavily on Psalms set to music. He believed that hymns should be more expressive of New Testament themes and Christian experience. This hymn is part of his efforts to create songs that are rich in theology and suitable for worship.

2. Theme: The hymn is a prayerful invocation of the Holy Spirit, asking for His presence and power in the life of believers. It draws heavily on the imagery of the Holy Spirit as a "heavenly dove," which is a reference to the Spirit's descent on Jesus at His baptism (Matthew 3:16).

3. Publication: The hymn appeared in Watts' collection Hymns and Spiritual Songs, which was a groundbreaking work that moved beyond the exclusive use of Psalms in worship. This collection includes other beloved hymns like "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross."

4. Structure and Lyrics:

   • The hymn emphasizes the need for divine help in worship and sanctification.
   • Original verses include themes of humility, longing, and the inadequacy of human effort without the Spirit's aid.
   • Modern hymnals often use selected stanzas or modify the language slightly for contemporary use.

5. Enduring Legacy: "Come, Holy Spirit, Heav'nly Dove" remains a beloved hymn in various Christian traditions. Its simplicity and depth make it a fitting choice for Pentecost services or any occasion focusing on the work of the Holy Spirit.