Published on
October 16, 2017
Video length
11 mins

Introducing the worship song “Come, Holy Ghost / Be Not Afraid” by Bruce Benedict and Ray Mills.

In This Episode

In this episode of Renewed, Greg Scheer introduces a worship song that is truly “Ancient-Future” as it is rooted in the past, but looks forward to the future. The original text of “Come, Holy Ghost” was written in 8th century Germany and given a new tune and refrain in 21st century Indianapolis.

Renewed: Worship songs to refresh your church’s voice
Hosted by Greg Scheer 
With Larry Figueroa, piano 

Copyright

"Come, Holy Ghost/Be Not Afraid"
Words: from Veni Creator Spiritus, attr. Rhabanus Maurus (776-856), Bruce Benedict, Ray Mills, 2005, © 2006 Cardiphonia Music/Raymond G. Mills

Music: Bruce Benedict, Ray Mills, 2005, © 2006 Cardiphonia Music/Raymond G. Mills; arr. Diane Dykgraaf © 2012 Cardiphonia Music/Raymond G. Mills.

Used by permission.

Learn More

Listen to the original recording of “Come, Holy Ghost” with Bruce Benedict singing.

Explore different versions of the music, including piano, choir, and string arrangements.

See the song’s entry at Hymnary.org.

 

Recent Media Resources

Psalmody in Black: The Psalter as Human Expression

This workshop explores the deep connection between the psalms and the breadth of human emotion through musical settings by Black composers. Interwoven with reflections on the history and function of the Psalter, this program reveals how these timeless texts continue to speak to the spiritual, emotional, and cultural experiences of our shared humanity. 

May 1, 2026 | 90 min video
Andrew Wilkes on Doing the Work of Liberation and Justice with the Psalms as Our Guide

Pastor-scholar Andrew Wilkes shares how his worshiping community, Double Love Experience Church, prayed and sang the psalms during the troubling times of 2020. The psalms gave them language and support for praise and lament, and Wilkes asserts that lament is the evidence of faith because we are bringing our troubles to God.

April 10, 2026 | 14 min listen
W. David O. Taylor on the Psalms and Praying the Unedited Life

Author and pastor-scholar David Taylor shares how he came to appreciate the psalms and how he encourages people to bring their full, unedited selves to God in prayer and experience a richer and more honest life of faith.

April 10, 2026 | 26 min listen