Text: Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)
Music: ST. COLUMBA, CM. Traditional Gaelic folk tune.
O breathe on me, O breath of God, fill me with life anew,
that I may love the things you love, and do what you would do.
O breathe on me, O breath of God, until my heart is pure;
until my will is one with yours, to do and to endure.
O breathe on me, O breath of God, my will to yours incline,
until this selfish part of me glows with Your fire divine.
O breathe on me, O breath of God, so I shall never die,
but live with you the perfect life for all eternity.
Scripture reference: John 14:25-27, John 20:19-23
Jesus says the Holy Spirit is our Counselor who will remind us of His Words.
The Holy Spirit is Wisdom who will guide us as we do the ministry (serve) in God’s Kingdom. Jesus spoke about forgiveness. Paul described it in 2 Corinthians 5 as the ministry of reconciliation. We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Many may find the Holy Spirit dangerous. They would be right. When the Holy Spirit is present (prophets, Pentecost), then people speak and act with the power of God. Our finite understanding attempts to understand the infinite power and scope of our Creator. That can be reassuring in that our Mighty God takes care of His children. He is up close and personal and not sitting on a throne far, far away. But we like to think we have control of our lives and the Holy Spirit shows us how wrong we are in that assumption. We may find ourselves directed down a path we never imagined we would walk and experience events that were not in our plan. I have met and worked with people that would have never come on my radar without the Holy Spirit’s strong leading. And I am so glad He did!
So, Come Holy Spirit! Do not give up on me! My stubbornness is decreasing and You are increasing in my life.
