fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way you love,
and do what you would do.
2.Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with yours,
to do and to endure.
3. Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with you the perfect life
for all eternity.
The hymn "Breathe on Me, Breath of God" was written by Edwin Hatch in 1878, much like his other famous hymn "Holy Spirit, Hear Us." This particular hymn is a beautiful prayer invoking the Holy Spirit to bring spiritual renewal and transformation to the believer's life.
The Story Behind the Hymn:
Edwin Hatch, an Anglican clergyman, was deeply influenced by the spiritual revival movements of his time. He was keenly aware of the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian believer, particularly in terms of empowerment for Christian living, sanctification, and spiritual renewal. The hymn is a heartfelt plea for the Spirit of God to bring life, renewal, and strength to the soul.
The hymn’s lyrics express a longing for the Spirit to breathe new life into the believer, bringing purity, strength, and wisdom. The imagery of "breathing" invokes the biblical idea of God's life-giving breath, seen in both the creation story and the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit is often referred to as the breath or wind of God. In John 20:22, for example, Jesus breathes on His disciples and says, "Receive the Holy Spirit." This act is a symbol of spiritual empowerment and the impartation of divine life.
The hymn’s central prayer is that the Holy Spirit would fill the believer, guiding them in holiness and enabling them to live according to God's will. Each verse builds on the theme of spiritual transformation, with phrases like “fill me with life anew” and “so shall I never die.” It’s a plea for God to purify and renew the heart, that it may live in obedience to Him and reflect His glory.
The Context of the Hymn:
At the time of writing, Edwin Hatch was deeply influenced by the Oxford Movement, which sought to revive the spiritual depth of the Anglican Church and bring more emphasis to the work of the Holy Spirit. He had a passion for liturgical spirituality and wanted to express the longing for deeper communion with God. The hymn was written as part of a broader collection of hymns, but its specific focus on the Holy Spirit’s role in sanctification resonated deeply with Christians in both Anglican and broader Protestant traditions.
The song became widely known and loved due to its poetic, yet simple, language, and its ability to capture the essence of the believer’s prayer for spiritual renewal. Its gentle, meditative tone makes it particularly suitable for times of reflection and prayer, especially in worship settings focused on the work of the Holy Spirit.
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