O Breath of Life

“O Breath of Life” is a prayerful hymn by Bessie Porter Head that calls upon the Holy Spirit to bring renewal, revival, and spiritual vitality to the Church. The hymn is deeply rooted in biblical imagery, especially the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37:5–10, where God breathes life into what was dead. This powerful picture reflects the hymn’s central plea that God would revive His people and restore spiritual strength where there is dryness and decline.

The hymn expresses a longing for inward renewal, echoing Psalm 51:10–12, where David cries, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” It acknowledges human weakness and the need for divine intervention to restore joy, purity, and steadfastness in the believer’s life.

John 20:22 provides another important connection, as the risen Christ breathes on His disciples and says, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost.” This act signifies new life and empowerment for service. Similarly, the hymn seeks the life giving presence of the Spirit to awaken faith and deepen devotion.

The events of Acts 2:1–4, where the Holy Spirit descends at Pentecost, further shape the hymn’s message. The outpouring of the Spirit brought boldness, unity, and spiritual power to the early Church. “O Breath of Life” reflects this desire for renewed spiritual energy and effectiveness in the present day.

The hymn is both personal and corporate, addressing not only individual need but also the condition of the Church as a whole. It calls believers to recognize their dependence on the Spirit and to seek God earnestly for revival.

“O Breath of Life” remains a timeless prayer for renewal. It reminds believers that true spiritual life does not come from human effort, but from the life giving breath of God, who alone can restore, empower, and sustain His people.