As I was working at a church earlier this week, the pianist started warming up, gently playing the tune to the hymn, “Breathe on me, Breath of God”. I kept humming along and went about my work, and soon enough, a flood of memories and tears engulfed me…
Growing up, in my house, the day began with a time of family prayer and ended with a time of family prayer, and each of us took turns to pick a hymn for prayer. Each of us had a couple of favorites and go-tos, and one of my dad’s was, “Breathe on me, Breath of God”. Often times, I remember him singing or humming this hymn through the day, going about his work. Now, if you knew my dad well, you know he sang loud and a scale or half higher than the rest of us. Ha, I’ll just say he was meant to be a soloist. But you could tell, he sang from his heart. He gave his best to whatever he did. He loved well. He enjoyed celebrating people. He had a generous heart. He was a joyous spirit, enduring all situations with grace and patience. He always wore a smile. He lived his faith.
With those thoughts, right there, I stopped to just sit, listen, breathe, and be…
“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 and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until 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.”
Grateful for the Breath of God…
Grateful for the gift of hymns…
Grateful for the life of dad…