- The first verse and chorus are from Isaiah 61:1,2 and Luke 4:18 and 19.
- Verse three is based on John 20:21, where Jesus sent the disciples into the world.
- Verse four is inspired by Mark 13:11, where Jesus instructs the about the end times.
Alternative titles include God's Spirit, God's Spirit Is Deep In My Heart, God's Spirit is in my heart He has called me, Just As The Father Sent Me.
The song was written in the late 1960s by English Methodist minister and
missionary Alan Dale (d 1979) and English Roman Catholic at-the-time
priest Hubert Richards (1921-2010). It was the title-track in a recording of the Sacred Heart Choir with
Eileen Greaves conducted by Kevin Mayhew (ref), released by Avant Garde Records in 1969 with accompanying
sheet music published by Vanguard Music.
Some people think that the song was written by one of Mother Theresa's
Missionaries of Charity sisters because it is included in Something Beautiful for God - book by Malcolm Muggeridge about her. But this is unlikely: the book was first published in 1971, well after the 1969
release of the song.
The 20th Century Folk Hymnal volume 1, published in 1974 attributes the tune / music to Hubert John (Bert) Richards and the words to Alan Dale. Other publications credit arrangements of the tune to Alan Dale and Betty Pulkingham and the words to verses 2-4 to Richards.
The vocal range of the tune is large. It was not originally intended for congregational use: Richards expected most people to only sing the refrain. Despite this, it is well-known and loved by congregations (if not by trained musicians) in many English-speaking countries. Several new recordings have been made in the 21st century.
With meter, 8.5.8.5 with refrain, the unnamed tune has a 6/8 time signature.
- The verses are in a minor key: in Am the first few notes are A, A, A, A, B, C E_ (with chords Am)
- The chorus switches to a major key: in A, the first notes are E A A A A G F G G F E_ (with chords A / E7 / A
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).Examples
Solo singer backing himself with guitar
Church choir giving a very disciplined performance
Soloist with guitar-led backing band - professional recording
Choir with orchestra -music video
Soloist with piano and backing band - professional recording
Children's choir and cantor, with guitar and flute, professional recording
Lyrics
The lyrics are still copyright, so cannot be reproduced here in full. However they are currently available on Page 8 of this website. A rough outline of the structure is:Verse 1: God's spirit is in my heart ..
Chorus:
He sent me to give the Good News to the poor
Tell prisoners that they are prisoners no more,
Tell blind people that they can see,
And set the downtrodden free.
And go tell ev'ryone the news that the kingdom of God has come,
And go tell ev'ryone the news that God's kingdom God has come.
Verse 2: Just as the Father sent me ....
Verse 3: Don't carry a load on your back ...
Verse 4: Don't worry what you have to say ...
Two additional verses were recently located in a "home made" hymnal from Ireland. They are not in any recently-published versions, and it's not clear if they were part of the original text of the song. They are
By dying I'm going away,
But I'll be with you every day,
As the spirit of love in your heart,
The love in your heart.
Myself you will no longer see,
But if you love, as God has loved me,
Then people will see me in you,
Will see me in you.
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