Holy Ghost, with Light Divine

[tom pumroy]

I’m here to share the old hymns I have put new music to. It is my feeling that the writers of the old hymns have been inspired by the Spirit to express their thoughts about some aspect of spirituality in what I think of as sacred poetry. By repeatedly breathing their words in song I can feel that inspiration.

I can’t put up a link for now but I can provide some samples of the hymns I have put new music to. I notice that it is within the tradition to put hymns to different tunes and it is my opinion that sometimes the new music allows the power of the words to take on new significance.

The fact that I am not that versatile on a guitar works as a plus because I use only simple chords that anyone who plays can play. I flip through old hymnbook looking for that special line that strikes me hard and then try to find appropriate chords that match up the sentiment.

I have approx. 200 old hymns now with new music and will eventually put up a link to them when I can use links.

This one is really fun to sing--- 2 chords per line GDCG for the first 2 lines and then 2 chords per line GAmCG for the last 2 lines of the verse.


Holy Ghost, with light divine,
Shine upon this heart of mine;
Chase the shade of night away,
Turn my darkness into day.

Let me see my Savior’s face,
Let me all His beauties trace;
Show those glorious truths to me
Which are only known to Thee.

Holy Ghost, with power divine,
Cleanse this guilty heart of mine;
Long has sin, without control,
Held dominion o’er my soul.

Holy Ghost, with joy divine,
Cheer this saddened heart of mine;
Bid my many woes depart,
Heal my wounded, bleeding heart.

Holy Spirit, all divine,
Dwell within this heart of mine;
Cast down every idol throne,
Reign supreme, and reign alone.

See, to Thee I yield my heart,
Shed Thy life through every part;
A pure temple I would be,
Wholly dedicate to Thee.

Lyrics by A. Reed

 

[Gracelands]

Beautiful lyrics. Thats really where i'm at at the moment. Thanks for posting it.

You're right about the hymns being sacred, inspired, poetry. Traditional tunes and organ music can ruin them sometimes especially when the songs are full of high notes.

I'll be interested to see your versions.

 

[tom pumroy]

Thank you for the kind response Graceland. The Spirit is alive and well in the words of the old hymns and if given the chance can still inspire and comfort God’s children.

By the way I have put up different songs in three of the music categories; Contemporary, Praise and Gospel.

This one has a simple country flavor with the killer line “Draw me with the magnet of Thy mighty love”,, hard to resist.

1 chord per line GCD with CG for the 4th line --- oh yeah, and it is really effective capoed at the 5th fret

O my Savior, lifted
From the earth for me,
Draw me, in Thy mercy,
Nearer unto Thee.

Lift my earthbound longings,
Fix them, Lord, above;
Draw me with the magnet
Of Thy mighty love.

Lord, Thine arms are stretching
Ever far and wide,
To enfold Thy children
To Thy loving side.

And I come, O Jesus;
Dare I turn away?
No! Thy love hath conquered,
And I come today.

Bringing all my burdens,
Sorrow, sin, and care,
At Thy feet I lay them
And I leave them there.

lyrics by William W. How