Spirit of God in the Clear Running Water

This hymn about the Holy Spirit was written by American Roman Catholic feminist musician, theologian, writer and Medical Mission Sister Miriam Therese Winter (b 1938).

It was originally published in her 1965 collection "Joy is like the Rain" and later included in Songlines: Hymns, Songs, Rounds and Refrains for Prayer and Praise.

The tune is named SPIRIT OF GOD, and has a 3/4 time signature. In Songlines it is set in the key of D, and the first few notes are ABA AFD.

The original text of verse 4 was "every man's heart is lonely ... man longs that you only". However in later publications , this was changed this to "everyone's heart is lonely ... we long that you only". Many publications leave out either the 2nd or the 3rd verse.

Where to find sheet music for this song

From the Hartford Seminary website (buy the Joy is Like the Rain songbook -this is posted, postal charge is added at check out)
In Songlines (linked to above - from Amazon or similar)
In a hymnal - the only one found so far which includes this song is the UK-based Celebration Hymnal for Everyone (McCrimmon).

Downloads

Examples

Solo singer with piano accompaniment - possibly the original recording:

A house church choir from Asia:

A music group from Australia - organ backed

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are available on this website.

The song has four verses, each three lines long. There is a four-line chorus which is repeated after each verse. A rough outline is:

1. Spirit of God in the clear running water,

Chorus
Fill the earth, bring it to birth
and blow where you will.
Blow, blow, blow till I be
but breath of the spirit blowing in me.

2. I saw the scar of a year that lay dying,

3. Down in the meadow the cattle are lowing

4. Spirit of God every man's heart is groaning ...