Set My Soul Afire

“Set My Soul Afire” by Gene Bartlett is a stirring prayer hymn from 1961 that calls believers to renewed passion, deeper commitment, and bold witness for Christ. Its message touches the core of Christian devotion by reminding worshippers that a life touched by God should also be a life ignited by God. The hymn captures the longing every believer feels when spiritual warmth begins to cool, offering a heartfelt plea for God to reignite that inner flame.

Bartlett structures the hymn around three personal petitions, each expressing a different area where the fire of God is desperately needed. The first stanza focuses on the believer's relationship with Scripture. Here, the singer asks God to open His Word in a way that produces conviction, joy, and power. It reflects the desire for a heart so inflamed by truth that it cannot remain silent.

The second stanza shifts toward testimony. It expresses the need for courage in daily life, courage to speak for Christ in a world filled with wandering and lost souls. It reminds believers that evangelism is not a task given to a few but a calling placed upon every Christian.

The third stanza centers on service. It recognizes that the world is broken, weary, and in need of compassionate believers who act with purpose. The hymn becomes a commitment, asking God to channel His power through the believer so that their life becomes a vessel of mercy.

Bartlett’s hymn continues to inspire believers because it expresses both humility and resolve. It acknowledges human weakness while confidently seeking divine strength. Above all, it encourages Christians to live with a burning desire for God’s glory, a desire that spreads light, truth, and hope wherever they go.