BREATHE ON ME BREATH OF GOD

This Hymn is based on John 20:21. After Jesus’ resurrection, He met with His followers and said to them, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit."

Edwin Hatch was famous for his vigorous – almost severe – study habits. Born in England in 1835, his love of knowledge started early. He attended King Edwards school and later both Oxford and Cambridge. In his early twenties, he was ordained as an Anglican priest. Edwin then took a professorship in Toronto and later in Quebec City.

Returning to Oxford in 1867, Edwin devoted the rest of his life to his studies, lectures and scholarly works. His classes on church history were packed with students anticipating stimulating lessons. It left quite a hole at the university when he unexpectedly died in 1989 at the age of 54!

Edwin’s hymn, originally titled ‘Spirit of God’ was first published in 1878. Now entitled BREATHE ON MY BREATH OF GOD, his hymn is a prayer…expressing to God how our real, eternal peace and contentment is found only in our relationship with Him.