233

Haleluya, Puji Tuhan (Alleluia, Praise the Lord)

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

It is difficult to isolate certain confessional themes in each song about the Holy Spirit. Rather, there are several themes that are woven together in nearly all of these songs. The Holy Spirit is identified as one with the Father and the Son in the Holy Trinity; we plead for the coming and indwelling of the Spirit in our lives; the Spirit’s work is evident in creation and in God’s people throughout redemptive history; the Spirit calls and empowers the church for mission; and the Spirit is the source of power, fruit, and hope. These themes are expressed in confessional statements such as these:

  • Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 20, Question and Answer 53 testifies, “…the Spirit, with the Father and the Son, is eternal God.” In addition, the Spirit “makes me share in Christ and all his benefits, comforts me, and will remain with me forever.”
  • Our World Belongs to God has helpful references to these multiple themes of the Spirit’s work and ministry.
    • “Jesus becomes the baptizer, drenching his followers with the Spirit, creating a new community where Father, Son and Spirit make their home” (paragraph 28)
    • “The Spirit renews our hearts and moves us to faith… stands by us in our need and makes our obedience fresh and vibrant” (paragraph 29).
    • “God the Spirit lavishes gifts on the church in astonishing variety…equipping each member to build up the body of Christ and to serve our neighbors.”
    • “The Spirit gathers people from every tongue, tribe and nation into the unity of the body of Christ” (paragraph 30).
    • “Men and women, impelled by the Spirit go next door and far away…pointing to the reign of God with what they do and say” (paragraph 30).  
  •       Our Song of Hope also contributes very clearly regarding the Spirit’s work:
    • “The Holy Spirit speaks through the Scriptures…has inspired Greek and Hebrew words, setting God’s truth in human language, placing God’s teaching in ancient culture, proclaiming the Gospel in the history of the world” (stanza 6).

    •  “The Holy Spirit speaks through the church, measuring its words by the canonical Scriptures…has spoken in the ancient creeds, and in the confessions of the Reformation” (stanza 7).
    • “The Spirit sends [the church] out in ministry to preach good news to the poor, righteousness to the nations, and peace among all people” (stanza 16).
    • “The Holy Spirit builds one church, united in one Lord and one hope, with one ministry around one table” (stanza 17).
    • The Spirit calls all believers in Jesus to respond in worship together, to accept all the gifts from the Spirit, to learn from each other’s traditions, to make unity visible on earth” (stanza 17).

“…The Spirit works at the ends of the world before the church has there spoken a word” (stanza 20).

233

Haleluya, Puji Tuhan (Alleluia, Praise the Lord)

Blessing/Benediction

You have given yourself to us, Lord.
Now we give ourselves for others.
You have sent your Holy Spirit and made us a gifted people.
As people of Pentecost,
we will serve you and proclaim your good news with joy.
Your glory has filled our hearts.
Help us to glorify you in all things. Amen.
[Reformed Worship 39:34]
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Almighty God,
send us out filled with your life-giving Holy Spirit,
that we may proclaim your gospel through our words and deeds.
May your Spirit lead, equip, and empower us to
bring you glory now and always. Amen.
[The Worship Sourcebook]
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Blessing in multiple languages for Pentecost
This blessing may be spoken first by the pastor in the common language of the congregation
and then by any worshipers who know other languages, to demonstrate the gift of the Holy
Spirit at Pentecost, so that each might hear the gospel in his or her own tongue.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Additional Prayers

God of abundant love,
we thank you for the gift of your Spirit,
poured out on all who live in Christ.
May these gifts be our response of abundant love;
use them to bless others [name the specific cause],
through Christ, our Lord, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
[The Worship Sourcebook]
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two
233

Haleluya, Puji Tuhan (Alleluia, Praise the Lord)

Tune Information

Name
PUHI TUHAN
Key
G Major
233

Haleluya, Puji Tuhan (Alleluia, Praise the Lord)

Hymn Story/Background

This song was one of four “Hallelujahs” sung in processional at the opening worship service of the first Assembly of the World Communion of Reformed Churches, gathered at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, MI, in June, 2010. Delegates from the four corners of the earth processed in turn from the four corners of the hall, each singing and repeating several times an alleluia from that part of the world. Representing Asia was this song from Indonesia, sung in the original language and offered as well in translation—like all the songs for this international assembly—in English, French, German, and Spanish. This joyful chorus of praise was written in traditional Soahuku, comes from Seram Island, the largest and main island of the Maluku province of Indonesia. It was adapted and arranged for this hymnal by Christian Izaak Tamaela, an Indonesian composer.
 
An anthem “Toki Gong Sambil Menari, Haleluya” (Beat the Gong will Dancing, Praise the Lord), for SATB a cappella, was published by Hinshaw Music in 2007.  
— Emily Brink

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