I am willing to bet you have not heard this hymn for a while. Please do tell me if I am wrong. Or maybe like me you remember singing a modern version of it when you were much younger? I do think that this hymn is a powerfully worded summary of the true Christian’s heart cry for transformation.
It sprung to my mind today as I have been reflecting on some wonderful doctrines that are perhaps a bit neglected. I have lightly adapted the words of the hymn and this closely matches the updated version I remember. Do you remember it this way too? The Dave Fellingham / Newfrontiers adaption of this is sung to a captivating tune and has a lovely bridge between each verse “Holy Spirit breath on me”. It usually only includes the first two verses, but there is no reason a congregation couldn’t sign the whole hymn to their tune.
The original version of the hymn Breathe on Me as written by Edwin Hatch is also available online. It is often sung to the tune Trentham It is fascinating that the author was a professor of theology, who’s lectures and books were respected at the time. However, he will forever be remembered for writing what he originally intended to be a simple prayer to help children learn the crucial place of asking for the God to work on our hearts to make us more like him.
As a special treat I include some other similarly inspiring songs in the Apple and Spotify playlists I have made for you with various recordings of Breathe on me. But first I will share an updated version of the lyrics and a youtube version of the version I knew growing up.
Let’s revive this hymn and allow its message to revive us.
Lightly updated version
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love as you love,
And do the works that you do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until my will is one with yours,
As long as life endures.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly yours,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with you fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
That I shall never die,
But live with you the perfect life
For all eternity
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