Send the Fire

Recently at church we've been quite focused on the Holy Spirit and how we need Him in our lives. It's been challenging and thought provoking and it's sparked me into wanting to write a song about the Holy Spirit. I've always believed in the Holy Spirit but it's been great to think what do i actually believe about Him and how he shapes my life. So I've attempted to delve into the Bible first to see what it says, but i've also tried looking at what songs we already have about the Holy Spirit. I was looking at my music folder today and found the old song "O God of Burning Cleansing flame" (though interestingly on the net it seems to have Thou Christ of burning cleansing flame which i think i might prefer as it's more triune) and i have to say i love some of the words and imagery it uses. The song was written by William Booth the founder of the Salvation Army.

Thou Christ of burning, cleansing flame,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Thy blood bought gift today we claim,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
Look down and see this waiting host,
Give us the promised Holy Ghost;
We want another Pentecost,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

God of Elijah, hear our cry:
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To make us fit to live or die,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To burn up every trace of sin,
To bring the light and glory in,
The revolution now begin,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

’Tis fire we want, for fire we plead,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
The fire will meet our every need,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
For strength to ever do the right,
For grace to conquer in the fight,
For power to walk the world in white,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

To make our weak hearts strong and brave,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
To live a dying world to save,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!
O see us on Thy altar lay
Our lives, our all, this very day;
To crown the offering now we pray,
Send the fire, send the fire, send the fire!

Lines like "to burn up every trace of sin, to bring the light and glory in" & "for power to walk the world in white" really resonate with me and make me really sit and think how badly we need the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Here's what the song sounds like though it's rather white middle class Anglican!