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.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will Thy will,
To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Till all this earthly part of me
glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.
Edwin Hatch, 1878
Read Ezekiel 36:22-32
(The breath of God is a poetic expression for the Spirit of God. It is the Spirit who sanctifies us, making us ever more like Christ. In these few short verses, the writer captures that idea, that daily work of forming us, making us more like Christ. He replaces our wants and desires. He purifies us so that we reflect Christ. And He will bring us safely home. For now, may all this earthly part of me glow with Thy fire divine.)
