“Breathe on Me Breath of God” is a hymn that has been sung in churches for over a century. The lyrics were written by Edwin Hatch, an English theologian, and were first published in 1878. The hymn has been set to various tunes over the years but the most popular one is “Trentham” composed by Robert Jackson.
The Meaning Behind the Hymn
The hymn is a prayer to the Holy Spirit asking for His presence to fill the singer’s heart, mind, and soul. It acknowledges the fact that without the Holy Spirit, we are unable to do anything of worth or merit. The hymn is a cry for help, for guidance, for the power to live a holy life.
The First Stanza
The first stanza of the hymn goes:
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.
The stanza is a prayer for a fresh infusion of the Holy Spirit in the singer’s life. The hymn acknowledges that it is only through the Spirit that we can love what God loves and do what He would have us do. The Holy Spirit is the source of our new life in Christ.
The Second Stanza
The second stanza of the hymn goes:
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.
The second stanza is a prayer for the Holy Spirit to purify the singer’s heart. The hymn acknowledges that it is only through the Spirit’s work that we can have a pure heart. The Holy Spirit is the source of our sanctification and our ability to endure trials and tribulations.
The Third Stanza
The third stanza of the hymn goes:
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.
The third stanza is a prayer for the Holy Spirit to completely possess the singer’s life. The hymn acknowledges that it is only through the Spirit’s work that we can be made holy. The Holy Spirit is the source of our transformation and our ability to shine as lights in the world.
The Fourth Stanza
The fourth and final stanza of the hymn goes:
Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity.
The fourth stanza is a prayer for the Holy Spirit to give the singer eternal life. The hymn acknowledges that it is only through the Spirit’s power that we can live forever in the presence of God. The Holy Spirit is the source of our eternal life and our ability to live the perfect life in God’s presence.
The Significance of the Hymn Today
“Breathe on Me Breath of God” is still a popular hymn in churches today. The hymn reminds us of our need for the Holy Spirit in our lives. It reminds us that without the Spirit’s presence, we are unable to live the holy life that God desires for us. The hymn is a powerful reminder of our dependence on God and our need for His help in every aspect of our lives.
In Conclusion
“Breathe on Me Breath of God” is a timeless hymn that has touched the hearts of countless believers over the years. The hymn is a powerful reminder of our need for the Holy Spirit in our lives. It reminds us that without the Spirit’s presence, we are unable to live the holy life that God desires for us. May we continue to sing this hymn with sincerity and may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts, minds, and souls as we do.
