Come, Holy Ghost/Be Not Afraid

My son, Theo, drew this during a worship service while “Be Not Afraid” was sung. He was 6 at the time. And yes, he is an exceptionally talented lad.

Even though I spend lots of energy trying to get my own music to discerning ears, I’m humble enough to know that I can’t write all the good songs. One great song that I didn’t write is Bruce Benedict and Ray Mill’s “Come, Holy Ghost/Be Not Afraid.” It has traveled pretty widely in some circles and will be included in the forthcoming Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal. Built on an 8th century Pentecost hymn, I fully expect that this new version will be around for many years to come. Below are all the different arrangements that I and others have written of the song. Feel free to link to other arrangements and recordings in the comment section.

Greg Scheer: SATB choir and piano – I wrote this for the Sunday on which I introduced the song at Church of the Servant. There are aspects of this arrangement that I really like, but it’s probably a bit too much for everyday use.

Greg Scheer: simple(r) piano – Given the fact that COS’s pianists had to patch together a part from the above arrangement, I decided to write a new one that was sturdier and simpler. This is the version that will be used in Lift Up Your Hearts.

Sarah Majorins: strings – Sarah has written a super-tasty string arrangement that I’m itching to try the next time I lead worship with strings. How about a recording, Sarah?

Naaman Wood: piano accompaniment with a strong 2 against 3 feel (and a hint of “Mad World”).

E minor leadsheet – It’s entirely singable in the higher key, and this version also notates the song in 6/8, which makes a lot of sense.

COS Guitarchestra: MP3 – Nothing definitive. I just thought you might want to hear the song.

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2 Responses to Come, Holy Ghost/Be Not Afraid

  1. Hey Greg, Thanks for the shout out! A note that the piano part in my score is yours. I didn’t want to re-do a good thing. I’ll work on a recording.
    Sarah Majorins

  2. cardiphonia says:

    Sarah – I plan on recording your string arrangement when CTK records a worship album in May/June.

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