224. Breathe On Me, Breath Of God

"Breathe On Me, Breath Of God" is a quiet, profound prayer for spiritual renewal. Often sung during Pentecost, confirmations, or as a reflective Communion hymn, it asks the Holy Spirit to enter the singer's life and align their will with God's. The words move from a plea for new life to a deep desire for purity, asking that our earthly nature might glow with divine fire.

In the choir loft, this hymn is usually treated with gentleness and reverence. The sheet provides two classic Short Metre (S.M.) tunes—Carlisle and Trentham—giving choir directors the flexibility to choose the melody that best fits their congregation's tradition. Both settings carry the text naturally, allowing the four-part harmony to swell and recede with the phrasing of the verses.

Singing this piece is an exercise in listening and breath control for the choir. As the verses progress toward the final promise of eternal life, the simple, unhurried rhythm gives the congregation space to meditate on the words. It is a quiet, unifying moment in the Mass, drawing everyone into a shared petition for grace.