Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

Hymn Information

First Line: Holy Spirit, living Breath of God
Author: Keith Getty · Stuart Townend
Tune Name: HOLY SPIRIT, LIVING BREATH
Composer: Keith Getty · Stuart Townend
Topic: Holy Spirit · Occasional Services: Dedication of Holy Living · Hymns That Are Prayer · Unity in Christ · Unity of the Church

Copyright Information

Text Copyright

Tune Copyright

Reprint/Projection Information

Words and Music: Permitted with a license from CCLI.com. If you do not own this license, please contact the copyright holder for permission.

Scripture References

Isaiah 26:9
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John 14:15-27
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John 16:5-15
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Romans 8:12-17
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1 Corinthians 2:6-16
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Ephesians 5:18

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Canons of Dort V, 12 and V, 13

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

The Canons of Dort V, 13 explain that our assurance of eternal security and perseverance cannot “produce immorality or lack of concern for godliness in those put back on their feet after a fall, but it produces a much greater concern to observe carefully the way which the Lord prepared in advance” and it is “an incentive to a serious and continuous practice of thanksgiving and good works...” (Canons of Dort V, 12) Therefore, this sub-section contains songs which express both the desire and the commitment of the believer to walk in obedience for holy living. Woven throughout these songs are expressions of fervent desire for holy living, a dedication to follow God’s will, a surrender of one’s will, and prayers for the Holy Spirit to continue his sanctifying work.

746

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

Additional Prayers

A Prayer for the Holy Spirit to Breathe New Life in Me

Holy Spirit, living Breath of God, breathe new life in me. Blow away the ash of sorrow and desolation. Blow away the webs of sin and shame. Blow away the wisps of doubt and indecision. Fueled by your own breath, burn in me clean and hot. Holy Spirit, living Breath of God, breathe new life in me for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

— Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

746

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

Tune Information

Name: HOLY SPIRIT, LIVING BREATH
Key: E♭ Major
Meter: 9.9.9.9 D

Recordings

746

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God

Hymn Story/Background

The final song written for Getty and Townend’s 2005 Apostle’s Creed album, this hymn follows in both songwriters’ tradition of connecting radical truths with everyday life. For this song specifically, they wanted to write a sung prayer about the Spirit’s renewing power. Each verse points to a different aspect of the Spirit’s presence in our lives: working in us to change our hearts, giving us the power to bear fruit, and shaping the church to be the face of God to a broken world.

— Laura de Jong

Author and Composer Information

Stuart Townend (b. 1963) grew up in West Yorkshire, England, the youngest son of an Anglican vicar. He started learning piano at a young age, and began writing music at age 22. He has produced albums for Keith Routledge and Vinesong, among many others, and has also released eight solo albums to date. Some of his better-known songs include “How Deep the Father’s Love,” “The King of Love,” and “The Power of the Cross.” He continues to work closely with friends Keith and Kristyn Getty, and is currently a worship leader in Church of Christ the King in Brighton, where he lives with wife Caroline, and children Joseph, Emma and Eden.

Keith Getty (b. December 16, 1974) developed a passion for writing good songs for the church in his twenties, and began writing for his small Baptist church. He is passionate about writing theologically astute lyrics and tunes that are easy to sing. Growing up in Ireland, he now lives with his wife Kristyn and daughter Eliza Joy in Nashville. Getty writes and performs predominantly with Kristyn, and the couple regularly tour the United States and the United Kingdom.

— Laura de Jong