On Pentecost

On Pentecost the followers all gathered in one place,

When Holy Spirit fell on them and wholly filled the space.

Divided tongues like flaming fire anointed each one there,

And languages they did not know poured forth like earnest prayer.

 

Outside the place where they had met a crowd was gathering 'round,

And wonder filled their minds and hearts at this outpouring sound.

"How can we hear this word ring out in language that we know?"

But some made fun and called them drunk, in words both mean and low.

 

Peter stepped out to give the word, and facing all of them,

Said "This is not a drunken spree; it's only nine a.m.!

No, this is what the prophet told in words from long ago:

God pours the Spirit on all flesh for all the world to know."

 

Those who had heard this prophet-word were stricken to the core;

They longed to hear this holy news and clamored to learn more.

Three thousand souls were added to the followers that day,

All joining in the sacred work of following the Way.

 

 

TEXT: Charles Spence Freeman, May 2024, after Acts 2.

MUSIC: Tune SALVATION, Kentucky Harmony, 1816.

 

 

A hymn for Pentecost. The tune is an old shape-note tune that seemed somehow appropriate for the outbreaking of the Holy Spirit in brash and unrelenting fashion.