Breathe

Jesus, breathe Thy Spirit on me, 

Teach me how to breathe Thee in, 

Help me pour into Thy bosom 

All my life of self and sin. 

I am breathing out my own life, 

That I may be filled with Thine; 

Letting go my strength and weakness, 

Breathing in Thy life divine. 

Breathing out my sinful nature, 

Thou hast borne it all for me; 

Breathing in Thy cleansing fullness, 

Finding all my life in Thee. 

I am breathing out my sorrow, 

On Thy kind and gentle breast; 

Breathing in Thy joy and comfort, 

Breathing in Thy peace and rest. 

I am breathing out my longings, 

In Thy list’ning loving ear, 

I am breathing in Thy answers, 

Stilling every doubt and fear. 

I am breathing every moment, 

Drawing all my life from Thee; 

Breath by breath I live upon Thee, 

Blessed Spirit, breathe in me. 

(a prayer of A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance; photo by @averieclaire via Unsplash.com)