Nine Inspirational Anthems for Pentecost

The Day of Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, as told in Acts 2:1-13.

Here is an excerpt from the story:

"When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance."

- Acts 2:1-4

Pentecost Sunday is 50 days after Easter. On this day, churches often celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and God's presence in our lives.

Related post: Worship Planning Theme: Spirit

Looking for anthems for your choir to sing this year? Here are a few spirit-filled anthems for your Pentecost celebration:

Spirit-Filled Choral Music for Pentecost

*Disclosure: I get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

O Breath of Life (Pepper Choplin)

SATB Choir with piano

A moving ballad, this anthem represents the voice of the church: "Revive us, Lord, the world awaits; Raise up Your church to spread the light!"

Holy Spirit, Hope, and Healer (arr. John Carter)

SAB Choir with Piano

Great text set to a beautiful Welsh melody.

Every Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Jack Schrader)

SATB Choir with Piano

No list of Pentecost anthems would be complete without this classic spiritual! Jack Schrader's arrangement is straightforward and accessible for church choirs small and large.

Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart (arr. Joan Pinkston)

SATB Choir with piano + opt. Clarinet and string quartet or string orchestra

A lovely setting of this prayerful hymn. The optional string accompaniment adds warmth and depth.

Music for Handbells

Four Pieces for Pentecost

A printable collection of four short pieces for your worship services during the season of Pentecost.

Written for 11-21 bells, these pieces are easy to put together and accessible for smaller (and younger) groups of 6-10 ringers.

This collection includes a solo piece, a processional, a hymn descant, and a prayer and accompanying underscore. Performance notes are included for each piece.

See inside

Four Pieces for Pentecost by Ashley Danyew for 3-octave handbells (11-21 bells)

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God (arr. Mary MacDonald)

SATB Choir with piano + opt. full orchestra

Prayerful and captivating, this anthem begins with tenors and basses alone, with altos and sopranos joining on the second verse.

Many Gifts, One Spirit (Diane Hannibal)

SATB CHoir with Piano

This melodic, accessible anthem features text based on 1 Corinthians 12.

Fill-a-Me-Up (Pepper Choplin)

SATB Choir, a cappella + opt. percussion

An energetic spiritual with optional percussion accompaniment written for solo voice with a repeated SATB chorus. Fun! Also available for SAB Choir.

Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove (arr. John Purifoy)

2-Part Mixed or opt. SATB Choir with Piano

Accessible part-writing and supportive piano accompaniment. A prayerful invitation for the spirit to come.

Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit (arr. Howard Helvey)

SATB Choir, a cappella

I know I already have this anthem on the list, but if you're looking for an arrangement that's slightly more challenging, Howard Helvey's spirited setting is the way to go.