Send Forth Your Spirit O Lord (O my soul arise) - Nazareth

This is a folk-style hymn of petition for the coming of the Holy Spirit, especially suitable for Pentecost or Confirmation. The words are based Psalm 104.

It was written by Indian Roman Catholic priest, musician, liturgist and composer, Aniceto Nazareth (1938-2021), and first published in 1986. Later publications include:

Songs of the Spirit Volume 3 - Songs and hymns of renewal, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England,1987
Catholic Hymns Old and New, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England, 2009 - this book is still in-print and is the best source of sheet music for the song.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Nazareth. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are D B BB A B G_ with accompanying chords D / G B7 / Em.

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).

No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Examples

Church music group with electronic organ, live in a church service

Singer with electronic keyboard / backing band

Virtual choir, with guitar

Singer with backing track, words on-screen

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
Send forth your Spirit O Lord,
that the face of the earth be renewed.

O my soul, arise and bless the Lord God,
Say to Him my God how great you are,
You are clothed with majesty and splendour,
And light is the garment you wear.

You have built Your palace on the waters,
Like the winds the angels fly before you,
You have set the earth on its foundation,
So firm to be shaken no more.

All your creatures look to You for comfort,
From your open hand they have their fill,
You send forth Your spirit and revive them,
The face of the earth You renew

While I live, I sing the praise of God.
I will thank the author of those marvels
Praise to God the Father, Son and Spirit;
Both now and forever, Amen.

See more ...

Image adapted from Vintage Golden series 1883, via RawPixel