Send the Fire (The Fire)

This is an energetic hymn about the Holy Spirit.   It was written by William Booth (1829 – 1912), a British Methodist preacher who founded the Salvation Army.  The text is based on the story of Elijah on Mount Carmel, as in 1 Kings 18.

It was first published in "The War Cry" in 1894 marking the 50th anniversary of William's conversion. 

With meter of 8.9.8.9.8.8.8.9, tunes it has been set to include:
  • TUCKER by Fredrick Booth-Tucker (the original tune)
  • BETTER WORLD
  • SEND THE FIRE - by Lex Loizides - used in most on-line examples, and which has an adapted version of the lyrics also written by Loizides


Downloads

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There is four part sheet music from Timeless Truths for the TUCKER tune.

There is a backing-track (tune SEND THE FIRE) available from Six Maddens.


Examples

Salvation Army band in concert:


Rockband with lead singer:


Soft-rock version - lead singer and church choir:


Duet with piano, on-screen lyrics, tune TUCKER:


Instrumental: brass band, with traditional lyrics on-screen


Instrumental - organ:


Lyrics

Traditional version

Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire!
Thy blood-bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire today!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost,
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire today! Send the fire today!

God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire today!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire today!

‘Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire today!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire today! Send the fire today!

To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire today!
O see us on thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day,
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire today! Send the fire today!

(*)  Newer versions often start with "O God" rather than "Thou Christ" - and some have alterations throughout the text.

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