Kathy
This hymn reminds me that when I took my first breath I began my time in this life as a gift from God. God’s breath began my life. As I live my life it is God’s breath that transforms me and my life is an expression of God for that reason. God is breathing me. And at the end it will be God who will receive my last exhale. My life will have been God’s gift of breath and I will be taken into God at the end.
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 one will,
to do or 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 (1835-1889), alt. This selection is in the public domain.