Breathe on Me Breath of God
This week, we're introducing a modern version of the classic hymn, "Breathe on Me, Breath of God." The hymn was written by Edwin Hatch in 1878, an Anglican theologian and scholar, best known for his contributions to early church history and his involvement in theological education.
The hymn expresses a deep desire for spiritual renewal and divine inspiration. The “Breath of God†refers to the Holy Spirit, whose presence and work in a believer’s life is transformative. The recurring theme of the hymn is that spiritual renewal comes through the Holy Spirit, invoking biblical imagery of God’s breath giving life and Jesus breathing the Spirit on his disciples.
Over time, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God†has become a staple in many Christian denominations, particularly in the Anglican and Methodist traditions. Its prayerful and contemplative nature makes it popular during services of Pentecost, Confirmation, and times of personal or communal renewal.
Let's look at it's Biblical Themes and Connections.
The hymn expresses a deep desire for spiritual renewal and divine inspiration. The “Breath of God†refers to the Holy Spirit, whose presence and work in a believer’s life is transformative. The recurring theme of the hymn is that spiritual renewal comes through the Holy Spirit, invoking biblical imagery of God’s breath giving life and Jesus breathing the Spirit on his disciples.
Over time, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God†has become a staple in many Christian denominations, particularly in the Anglican and Methodist traditions. Its prayerful and contemplative nature makes it popular during services of Pentecost, Confirmation, and times of personal or communal renewal.
Let's look at it's Biblical Themes and Connections.
God Breaths Life
- Genesis 2:7: “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.â€
- This verse relates to the theme of God’s breath giving life, which is echoed in the hymn’s request for the Holy Spirit to fill the singer’s life.
- Job 33:4: “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
- Here, the breath of God is depicted as the life-giving force, which aligns with the hymn’s desire for spiritual renewal and guidance from God.
God Breaths the Holy Spirit
- John 20:22: “And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’â€
- This verse describes Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit onto His disciples, symbolizing the empowering and renewing presence of the Holy Spirit, as requested in the hymn.
God Breaths Transformation
- Ezekiel 37:9-10 (The Valley of Dry Bones): “Then he said to me, ‘Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army.â€
- This powerful image of God’s breath bringing life to dry bones reflects the hymn’s desire for renewal, transformation, and spiritual life.
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