HYMN STORIES: The Songs We Sing

“Sweet, Sweet Spirit”

This Sunday we will sing “Sweet, Sweet Spirit”, by African American gospel songwriter Doris Mae Akers (1923-1995). Born in Brookfield, Missouri, Ms. Akers connected with some of the most important gospel songwriters of her era until her death in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It expresses in simple, heartfelt language the work of the Holy Spirit as it works in the life of the church.

The story of the songs’ creation goes like this – she said that one Sunday morning in 1962, while directing the Sky Pilot Choir, she said to her singers, “You are not ready to go in.” She didn’t believe they had prayed enough! They were accustomed to spending time with her in prayer before the service, asking God to bless their songs. She said, “I feel that prayer is more important than great voices.” They had already prayed, but this particular morning she asked them to pray again, and they did so with renewed fervor.

“As they prayed, Doris began to wonder how she could stop this wonderful prayer meeting. She said, “I sent word to the pastor letting him know what was happening. He was waiting in the auditorium, wanting to start the service. Finally, I was compelled to say to the choir, we must go. I hate to leave this room, and I know you hate to leave, but you know we do have to go to the service. But there is such a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place.”

The phrase stayed with her, and she wrote the song the next day. Matthew 3:16-17 inspired the specific line “Sweet heavenly Dove.” This text focuses on the baptism of Jesus when “he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: and lo a voice from heaven, saying, this is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”

When The United Methodist Hymnal was published in 1989, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” immediately became one of the favorite new hymns, and for many congregations, it became a staple during the greeting time in worship. Because it is easily memorized, the song is often played and sung as parishioners shake hands and embrace others gathered for worship.

As we sing together, look around and see the smiles as we sing this song.

Shared by Lindrew Johnson, Director of Worship