Breathe on Me, Breath of God, LBW 488
1 Breathe on me, breath of God;
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love all that you love
And do what you would do.
2 Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with you I will one will
To do and to endure.
3 Breathe on me, breath of God;
So shall I never die,
But live with you the perfect life
Of your eternity.
Devotion
The Genesis creation account speaks of the breath of God and the beginning of life. It is essential in the New Testament for the disciples of Jesus and their receiving of the Holy Spirit. Then we also acknowledge how very important is one's own breath. The pulmonary therapy floor gave me a new appreciation for my lungs and my breath. Now a gratitude for God's breath sustaining my own came with added wonder—it also sustains my spiritual and physical life. How sweet it is to actually draw a deep breath of fresh air, letting it raise you up to climb the stairs, walk the block to your car and speak with your loved ones. The text says this breath of God "fills me with life anew...to do and to endure." It is earthly and heavenly breath given to God's own. He does it. Thanks be to God! The hymn allows us with pure joy to recite with the Psalmist, "Let everything that breathes praise the Lord." (Ps. 150)
Prayer
Lord, you sustain my life with your constant gift of breath. How good it is! It certainly is important to me right now, and remains mine eternally. Thanks.