Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) ‎#79

79. The Breath of God

Thou Breath from still eternity
Breathe o’er my spirit’s barren land—
The pine-tree and the myrtle-tree
Shall spring amidst the desert sand;
And where Thy living water flows
The waste shall blossom as the rose.

May I in will and deed and word
Obey Thee as a little child;
And keep me in Thy love, my Lord,
For ever holy, undefiled;
Within me teach, and strive, and pray,
Lest I should choose my own wild way.

O Spirit, Stream that by the Son
Is opened to us crystal pure,
Forth flowing from the heavenly Throne
To waiting hearts and spirits poor,
Athirst and weary do I sink
Beside Thy waters, there to drink.

My spirit turns to Thee and clings,
All else forsaking, unto Thee;
Forgetting all created things,
Remembering only “God in me.”
O living Stream; O gracious rain,
None wait for Thee, and wait in vain.

Text Information

• First Line: Thou Breath from still eternity
• Title: The Breath of God
• Author: G. Ter Steegen, d. 1769
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1899

Tune Information

(No tune information)