You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit (Job 10:12).
Creator God, Source of all life, You breathed Your own breath into the body of man "and the man became a living being" (Genesis 2:7). What an amazing thing that humans were given the breath of the Almighty!
We give thanks and praise to Jesus the author of life (Acts 3:15), "the radiance of God's glory...sustaining everything by His powerful word" (Hebrews 1:3). Thank You that You not only give us the "breath of life" (Genesis 2:7), but "in Your providence, You watch over [our] spirit" (Job 10:12).
Thank You that You have given us Your Spirit, and the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16). Thank You that in Your Spirit is life, and hope, and renewal—All creatures look to You…when You take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When You send your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the ground (Psalm 104: 27, 29-30).
Teach us to treasure this gift of life You have given us. "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Help us to truly seek Your purpose, so we do not squander life in vain, selfish, fruitless, or shallow pursuits.
Help us to "be very careful...how [we] live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:15-16). Help us to "not be foolish, but to understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:17).
We commit our spirits to Your kind and watchful care.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with Thee I will one will, To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, Till I am wholly Thine, Until this earthly part of me Glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with Thee the perfect life Of Thine eternity.
~ Edwin Hatch ~1878
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