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This is hymn 56 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 56: NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE

1. Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee;
E’en Though It Be A Cross That Raiseth Me,

Still All My Song Shall Be,
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

2. Though Like The Wanderer,
The Sun Gone Down,
Darkness Be Over Me,
My Rest A Stone,
Yet In My Dreams I’d Be
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

3. There Let The Way Appear
Steps Unto Heaven;

All That Thou Send’st To Me
In Mercy Given;
Angels To Beckon Me
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

4. Then With My Waking Thoughts
Bright With Thy Praise,
Out Of My Stony Griefs
Bethel I’ll Raise;
So By My Woes To Be
Nearer, My God, To Thee,
Nearer To Thee!

5. Or If On Joyful Wing
Cleaving The Sky,
Sun, Moon, And Stars Forgot,
Upward I Fly,
Still All My Song Shall Be,
Nearer, My God, To Thee;
Nearer To Thee!

NEARER, MY GOD TO THEE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this profoundly moving hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee,” gives voice to the deepest, purest aspiration of the human heart reborn by grace. It is not a prayer for ease, wealth, or even understanding, but for one thing alone: nearness to God. Remarkably, it embraces every condition of life—suffering, darkness, grief, and even joyful ascent—as a potential means to draw closer to Him. It is the song of a pilgrim whose only compass points to the heart of the Father.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to fix our supreme desire on God Himself, to sanctify our sorrows by seeing them as tools in His hand for our spiritual intimacy, and to express a faith that seeks His presence above all other gifts. It is a hymn for the wounded, the weary, the seeking, and the soaring saint.

1. It is a Hymn of Crucified Ambition (Verse 1)
The opening line is the soul’s one request: “Nearer, my God, to Thee.” The radical nature of this prayer is immediately tested. The proposed pathway to nearness may be “a cross that raiseth me.”Here is the paradox of the Gospel: God often uses the very thing that humbles and pains us to spiritually elevate us and bring us closer to Him. The resolve is unwavering: regardless of the cost, “still all my song shall be” focused on this one goal. The Christian’s ambition is crucified—to be raised nearer to God.

2. It is a Hymn of Faith in the Dark Night (Verse 2)
The hymn validates the experience of spiritual desolation—feeling like a “wanderer” with the sun gone down, enveloped in darkness, with a stone for a rest. Even in this bleakness, the heart’s desire does not change. “Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer… to Thee.” When conscious faith is hard, the subconscious longing of a redeemed soul still strains toward God. This is the prayer of “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief” set to melody.

3. It is a Hymn of Mercy in the Pathway (Verse 3)
From the darkness, a prayer for light emerges: “There let the way appear, Steps unto heaven.” The singer asks for God to reveal the next step, trusting that even the hardships (“all that Thou send’st to me”) are “in mercy given.” This reframes every circumstance as a potential divine appointment to draw us closer. The vision of “angels to beckon me” encourages us that the heavenly host is invested in our journey homeward.

4. It is a Hymn of Transformative Grief (Verse 4)
This verse contains a powerful alchemy of grace. From “stony griefs,” the faithful one resolves to raise a “Bethel”—a house of God, a place of encounter (Genesis 28:18-19). Our waking thoughts, filled with God’s praise, can transform the very material of our pain into a monument to His presence. Thus, the prayer is fulfilled: “So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee.” Our sorrows become the stones of a sanctuary where we meet Him.

5. It is a Hymn of Ultimate Ascent (Verse 5)
The hymn culminates in the final journey. Whether by death or the Lord’s return, pictured as flying on “joyful wing cleaving the sky,” leaving all creation behind, the song remains constant. In the ultimate transition, when sun, moon, and stars are forgotten, the soul’s anthem is unchanged: “Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee.” Our earthly longing finds its eternal fulfillment in unbroken, face-to-face nearness.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

What is raising you today? Is it a cross of disappointment, pain, or loss? Is it a season of darkness where God seems distant? Or is it a moment of joyful flight?

Whatever it is, let this hymn give you a sacred perspective. Let your one prayer be for nearness to Him. Ask Him to use your present circumstance—yes, even the hard one—as a divinely ordained step to draw you closer. Transform your stony grief into a Bethel of worship.

Make this your constant song, in the valley and on the mountaintop. For the soul that desires God above all else will find Him in all things, and will ultimately fly to Him, forever near.

Nearer, my God, to Thee.

In the name of Jesus, who draws us to the Father’s heart, Amen.

This is hymn 55 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 55: CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE

1. Christian, Seek Not Yet Repose;
Hear Thy Guardian Angel Say,
“Thou Art In The Midst Of Foes:
Watch And Pray!”

2. Principalities And Powers,
Mustering Their Unseen Array,
Wait For Thy Unguarded Hours:
“Watch And Pray.”

3. Gird Thy Heavenly Armour On;
Wear It Every Night And Day
Ambush’d Lies The Evil One:
“Watch And Pray.”

4. Hear The Victors Who O’ercame;
Still They Mark Each Warrior’s Way;
All With One Sweet Voice Exclaim,
“Watch And Pray!”

5. Hear, Above All, Hear Thy Lord,
Him Thou Lovest To Obey;
Hide Within Thy Heart His Word:
“Watch And Pra!.”

6. Watch, As If On That Alone
Hung The Issue Of The Day;
Pray, That Help May Be Sent Down:
Watch And Pray.

CHRISTIAN, SEEK NOT YET REPOSE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this hymn serves as a stark and urgent wake-up call to the Church militant. “Christian, Seek Not Yet Repose” dispels any notion that the Christian life is one of casual comfort or passive peace on this side of eternity. It is a hymn of spiritual alertness, a sober reminder from Scripture, angels, saints, and Christ Himself that we are in a contested zone, engaged in a daily conflict that demands constant vigilance and dependent prayer.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to shake off spiritual slumber and complacency. It is a call to arms, reminding us of the reality of unseen spiritual warfare, the necessity of God’s armor, and the non-negotiable disciplines of watchfulness and prayer. It is a hymn for the soldier, not the sleeper.

1. It is a Hymn of Angelic Warning (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a direct command from a heavenly perspective. Our “Guardian Angel”—a ministering spirit concerned with our welfare—issues a warning against seeking premature rest (“repose”). The reason is immediate and positional: “Thou art in the midst of foes.” This is not future tense; it is our present reality. The prescribed action is twofold and inseparable: “Watch and pray!” We are to be spiritually alert and spiritually dependent.

2. It is a Hymn of Unseen Enemies (Verse 2)
The nature of our foes is revealed. They are not merely human or circumstantial, but “Principalities and Powers”—high-ranking, organized spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). They operate as an “unseen array,” a military host waiting for our “unguarded hours.” Their strategy is not frontal assault, but to exploit our moments of spiritual carelessness, distraction, or fatigue. The defense remains the same: vigilant watchfulness and fervent prayer.

3. It is a Hymn of Essential Armor (Verse 3)
Given this enemy, we are not left defenseless, but we must actively equip ourselves. The command is to “Gird thy heavenly armour on,” and to wear it “every night and day.” This is not Sunday attire, but constant spiritual equipment (Ephesians 6:13-18). The urgency is because “Ambush’d lies the evil one.” Satan is not a distant legend; he is a prowling, strategic adversary (1 Peter 5:8). Our survival depends on being fully armed and spiritually awake.

4. It is a Hymn of Victorious Testimony (Verse 4)
We are not the first to fight this battle. The “Victors who o’ercame”—the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us—still observe our fight. From the vantage point of heaven, they know the cost and the strategy. With one voice, they echo the angel’s cry, confirming its timeless truth: “Watch and pray!” Their testimony validates the path to victory.

5. It is a Hymn of Supreme Command (Verse 5)
Above the angel’s warning and the saints’ testimony stands the command of our Lord Himself, “Him thou lovest to obey.” His word is not just to be heard, but hidden “within thy heart” (Psalm 119:11). It is our sword and our guide. To love Christ is to obey His command to be vigilant and prayerful.

6. It is a Hymn of Ultimate Priority (Verse 6)
The final verse intensifies the call, framing our watchfulness and prayer with ultimate seriousness. We are to watch “as if on that alone hung the issue of the day.” Our spiritual alertness is that critical. We are to pray because our help is not from within, but from above: “that help may be sent down.” Our victory hinges on our dependent connection to divine reinforcement.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Have you grown spiritually drowsy? Have you laid aside your armor, thinking the battle is distant or won? This hymn sounds the alarm.

You are in the midst of foes. Your unguarded moments are targeted. Do not seek false repose. Today, consciously gird on the full armor of God through prayer. Hide His Word in your heart. Adopt the posture of a watchman on the walls and a supplicant at the throne.

Listen to the angel, the saints, and above all, your Lord: “Watch and pray.” The issue of your day—your peace, your purity, your testimony—does indeed hang upon it. Be sober, be vigilant, and pray without ceasing.

The battle is real. The command is clear. The victory is promised to those who watch and pray.

In the mighty name of Jesus, our Captain and Intercessor, Amen.

This is hymn 54 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 54: THERE’S NOT A FRIEND LIKE THE LOWLY JESUS

1. There’s Not A Friend Like The Lowly Jesus,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
None Else Could Heal All Our Souls’ Diseases,
No, Not One! No, Not One!

Refrain:
Jesus Knows All About Our Struggles,
He Will Guide Till The Day Is Done;
There’s Not A Friend Like The Lowly Jesus,
No, Not One! No, Not One!

2. No Friend Like Him Is So High And Holy,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
And Yet No Friend Is So Meek And Lowly,
No, Not One! No, Not One!

3. There’s Not An Hour That He Is Not Near Us,
No, Not One! No, Not One!
No Night So Dark But His Love Can Cheer Us,
No, Not One! No, Not One!

4. Did Ever Saint Find This Friend Forsake Him?
No, Not One! No, Not One!
Or Sinner Find That He Would Not Take Him?
No, Not One! No, Not One!

5. Was E’er A Gift Like The Saviour Given?
No, Not One! No, Not One!
Will He Refuse Us A Home In Heaven?
No, Not One! No, Not One!

THERE’S NOT A FRIEND LIKE THE LOWLY JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in a world of fair-weather friendships and human limitations, the soul longs for a companion who is utterly reliable, perfectly understanding, and unconditionally present. This hymn, “There’s Not a Friend Like the Lowly Jesus,” is a joyous, repetitive celebration of the unique and unparalleled friendship offered to us in Christ. With its emphatic refrain “No, Not One!” it systematically dismisses every potential rival, leaving Jesus alone as the sinner’s supreme and sufficient Friend.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to fix our hearts on the unmatched character of Christ, to comfort ourselves with His constant nearness, and to proclaim His unique power to save, heal, and keep. It is a hymn of confident reassurance, perfect for moments of loneliness, struggle, or doubt. It declares that in Jesus, we have a Friend who combines infinite power with tender humility.

1. It is a Hymn of Unique Power and Empathetic Guidance (Verse 1 & Refrain)
The hymn begins by establishing Jesus’s unique ability where we need it most: “None else could heal all our souls’ diseases.” He alone has the remedy for the fatal sickness of sin. The refrain immediately adds the profound depth of His friendship: “Jesus knows all about our struggles.” He is not a distant healer; He is an intimately acquainted guide who promises to lead us “till the day is done.” Our Friend combines curative power with compassionate understanding.

2. It is a Hymn of Majestic Paradox (Verse 2)
This verse marvels at the breathtaking nature of Christ’s friendship. He is simultaneously “so high and holy”—the transcendent God, worthy of all worship—and yet “so meek and lowly”—the accessible, humble servant who calls us friends (John 15:15). No other being in the universe occupies this space. In Him, infinite dignity meets gentle approachability. We have a Friend who is both our Sovereign King and our Compassionate Confidant.

3. It is a Hymn of Constant Presence (Verse 3)
The proof of true friendship is faithful presence. Jesus passes the test perfectly: “There’s not an hour that He is not near us… No night so dark but His love can cheer us.” His companionship is not seasonal or conditional. In the hour of our deepest despair or darkest sin, His love remains a cheering, light-bringing presence. He is the friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

4. It is a Hymn of Unfailing Faithfulness (Verse 4)
The hymn poses two rhetorical questions that history and Scripture resoundingly answer. Has any true saint ever been ultimately forsaken? “No, Not One!” (Hebrews 13:5). Has any sinner who truly came to Him ever been turned away? “No, Not One!” (John 6:37). His friendship is steadfast toward the believer and open-armed toward the repentant. He is perfectly reliable.

5. It is a Hymn of Ultimate Gift and Eternal Security (Verse 5)
The friendship of Jesus is the ultimate gift, far surpassing any other. But this Friend does not merely walk with us through life; He secures our destiny. The final question holds eternal weight: “Will He refuse us a home in heaven?” The triumphant, repeated answer, drawn from His own promise (John 14:2-3), is our glorious hope: “No, Not One!” Our Friend is the guarantor of our eternal home.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling friendless, misunderstood, or battling a “soul’s disease” that others cannot see? This hymn directs you to your true and constant Companion.

Bring your struggles to the Friend who knows all about them. Marvel that the high and holy God is meek and lowly enough to draw near to you. Reject the lie that you are alone in the dark hour—His love is there to cheer you. If you have wandered, remember He will not forsake His own, and He will not refuse a coming sinner.

Today, rest in the friendship of the lowly Jesus. There is not, and never will be, another friend like Him. Cling to Him, walk with Him, and rejoice in the gift of His presence now and His promised home forever.

No, not one!

In the name of Jesus, our incomparable Friend and Saviour, Amen.

This is hymn 53 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 53: ‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

1. ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”

Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How l’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

3. Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

4. I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in a world of shifting foundations and broken promises, the soul finds its one true refuge in a simple, profound act: trust. This hymn, “‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” is a tender, personal testimony of the soul’s deepest discovery. It is not a hymn of thunderous triumph, but of quiet, personal assurance—the discovery that leaning wholly on Christ is the source of true sweetness, rest, and enduring gladness.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to celebrate the relational intimacy and soul-deep satisfaction found in placing our entire confidence in Christ. It is a song that combats anxiety, self-reliance, and doubt by focusing on the simple, proven faithfulness of Jesus. It encourages a childlike faith that finds profound peace in the promises of God.

1. It is a Hymn of Simple Faith and Proven Faithfulness (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a declaration of spiritual sweetness found in simplicity: “Just to take Him at His Word; Just to rest upon His promise; Just to know, ‘Thus saith the Lord.’” Trust is presented not as a complex theological feat, but as a simple, personal reliance on the reliability of Christ’s character and speech. The singer then breaks into a spontaneous, worshipful refrain: “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!” This trust is not blind; it is built on experiential proof: “How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!” The natural conclusion of such proof is a prayer for more: “O for grace to trust Him more!” Trust is both a gift of grace and a growing pursuit.

2. It is a Hymn of Cleansing and Complete Surrender (Verse 2)
Here, trust is directed toward the most fundamental need: cleansing. The sweetness is found not in trusting our own moral effort, but in trusting “His cleansing blood.” The imagery is vivid and total: “to plunge me ‘Neath the healing, cleansing flood!” This is the trust that saves—a complete abandonment of self-justification and a total reliance on His atoning work. It is a once-for-all plunge into His grace that washes us whiter than snow.

3. It is a Hymn of Exchanged Life (Verse 3)
True trust leads to a blessed cessation. It is “sweet… Just from sin and self to cease.” Trust means stopping our own futile striving. In that place of surrender, we move from striving to receiving. We learn to simply take from Jesus what we cannot produce: “Life and rest, and joy and peace.”These are the fruits of trust, the gifts given to the soul that has ceased its own labors and leaned entirely on Him.

4. It is a Hymn of Learned Gladness and Enduring Companionship (Verse 4)
The final verse is a testimony of joyful education. “I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee.” Trust is a lesson learned in the school of life, and the result is gladness. This trust transforms our understanding of Christ: He is “Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend.” And this relational trust yields the ultimate security: “I know that Thou art with me, Wilt be with me to the end.” Trust in Jesus is not a one-time transaction; it is the foundation of a lifelong, and eternal, companionship (Hebrews 13:5).

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you striving today? Are you anxious, trying to solve problems in your own strength, or wrestling with guilt you cannot wash away? This hymn calls you to a sweet surrender.

Stop. Cease from sin and self. Take Him at His Word right now. Plunge anew into the truth of His cleansing blood. Choose to rest upon a specific promise from Scripture that speaks to your need.

Remember, you are not trusting an idea, but a Person—a proven, precious, faithful Friend. The more you prove Him, the sweeter the trust becomes. So, echo the prayer of this hymn today: “O for grace to trust Him more!” In that trusting, you will find the life, rest, joy, and peace your soul longs for.

In the name of our faithful and precious Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 52 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 52: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

1. “There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing:”
This Is The Promise Of Love;
There Shall Be Seasons Refreshing,
Sent From The Saviour Above.

Refrain:
Showers Of Blessing,
Showers Of Blessing We Need;
Mercy Drops Round Us Are Falling,
But For The Showers We Plead.

2. “There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing”
Precious Reviving Again;
Over The Hills And The Valleys,
Sound Of Abundance Of Rain.

3. “There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing;”
Send Them Upon Us, Oh Lord!
Grant To Us Now A Refreshing;
Come And Now Honour Thy Word.

4. “There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing;”
Oh, That Today They Might Fall,
Now, As To God, We’re Confessing,
Now As On Jesus We Call!

5. “There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing:”
If We But Trust And Obey;
There Shall Be Seasons Refreshing,
If We Let God Have His Way.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in the dry and weary seasons of the soul—times of spiritual drought, emotional exhaustion, or barren labor—we have a divine promise of revival. This hymn, “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings,” is a prayerful anthem of faith and expectancy. It draws on the beautiful biblical imagery of rain to declare that God’s love is not a stagnant pool, but a promised, pouring-out of life-giving grace to revive His people and His work.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to stir our faith in God’s promise to renew and refresh His Church, to express our holy dissatisfaction with mere spiritual survival, and to unite in a corporate plea for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is a hymn for dry bones and parched lands, a confident plea for heaven-sent revival.

1. It is a Hymn of a Guaranteed Promise (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with an unequivocal declaration: “There shall be showers of blessing.” This is not a hopeful wish, but a confident statement of fact based on “the promise of love.” God’s covenantal love for His people guarantees seasons of heavenly refreshment “Sent from the Saviour above.” It reminds us that spiritual renewal is not something we manufacture, but a gift sent down from heaven in its timing. The blessing comes as “showers”—abundant, widespread, and life-giving.

2. It is a Hymn of Specific Need and Urgent Plea (Refrain)
The refrain masterfully contrasts our present experience with our promised inheritance. “Mercy drops round us are falling”—we acknowledge and give thanks for the daily, sustaining graces that keep us from total desolation. These are the gentle proofs of God’s faithfulness. Yet, the heart that knows God’s promise cries out for more: “But for the showers we plead.” We are not content with mere survival; we long for the saturation, the overflowing abundance, the undeniable revival that only a full “shower” can bring. This is the plea of a church that wants more of God.

3. It is a Hymn of Abundant Life and Visible Renewal (Verse 2)
The promised showers bring “precious reviving again.” They are not a light mist, but a downpour that impacts the entire landscape—“Over the hills and the valleys.” Revival is comprehensive, touching both the high points and the low places of our lives and communities. It produces a “sound of abundance of rain,” a tangible, audible testimony to God’s lavish goodness that cannot be ignored. It is the sound of spiritual drought breaking.

4. It is a Hymn of Active Prayer and Claiming God’s Word (Verses 3 & 4)
These verses transition from declaration to direct, expectant prayer. We do not passively wait; we actively “plead.” We pray, “Send them upon us, O Lord,” and “Grant to us now a refreshing.” Our plea is grounded in God’s own character: “Come and now honour Thy Word.” We are holding God to His promise, asking Him to vindicate His faithfulness in our midst. The plea is urgent—“Oh, that today they might fall”—and is coupled with the conditions for blessing: sincere confession and wholehearted calling upon Jesus.

5. It is a Hymn of Surrendered Trust (Verse 5)
The final verse reveals the posture that welcomes the showers: trusting obedience. “If we but trust and obey… If we let God have His way.” The blessings and seasons of refreshing are intimately connected to our surrender to His will. God’s showers fall most freely on the soft, plowed ground of a heart that has relinquished control, not on the hard, packed soil of self-will. Our plea for revival must be matched by a willingness to be revived on His terms.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Does your spiritual life feel dry? Does your ministry or your personal walk seem like a parched valley? Have you grown content with “mercy-drops” when God has promised showers?

This hymn calls you to lift your eyes in faith to the promise-keeping God. Thank Him for the daily drops of mercy, but do not stop there. Let a holy dissatisfaction arise in your heart. Plead for the showers. Pray for a widespread, reviving, abundant rain of the Holy Spirit upon your life, your family, and your church.

Come before Him in confession, call upon Jesus, and surrender your will. Trust, obey, and let God have His way. The promise is sure: There shall be showers. Pray with expectancy. Prepare your heart to be drenched in His gracious, reviving love.

Open your heart to the skies of heaven, and plead for the rain.

In the name of Jesus, the Lord of the harvest and the Sender of the rain, Amen.

This is hymn 51 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 51: BREATHE ON ME, BREATH OF GOD

1. 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.

2. Breathe on me, Breath of God;
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.

3. Breathe on me, Breath of God;
Till I am wholly Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.

4. Breathe on me, Breath of God;
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.

BREATHE ON ME, BREATH OF GOD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this gentle yet profoundly deep hymn, “Breathe on Me, Breath of God,” is a prayer for the very life of God to be imparted to our souls. Unlike hymns that focus on our action or Christ’s atonement, this one centers on the intimate, essential work of the Holy Spirit. It echoes the creation account where God breathed life into man (Genesis 2:7) and Christ’s post-resurrection act of breathing the Holy Spirit upon His disciples (John 20:22). It is a plea for spiritual resuscitation, sanctification, and ultimate glorification.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to express our total dependence on the Holy Spirit for spiritual vitality, purity, and transformation. It is a prayer of surrender, asking God to accomplish in us what we cannot achieve ourselves: true Christ-like love, purity of heart, and alignment with the divine will.

1. It is a Hymn for New Life and Christ-like Affection (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with the most fundamental need: not just improvement, but new life itself. “Fill me with life anew” is a cry for revival, for the refreshment that only the Spirit can give (Titus 3:5). The purpose of this new life is immediately practical: that our affections and actions would be supernaturally aligned with God’s. “That I may love what Thou dost love, And do what Thou wouldst do.” The Spirit’s breath redirects our hearts from loving worldly things to loving divine things, empowering us to act according to God’s good pleasure.

2. It is a Hymn for Heart Purity and Surrendered Will (Verse 2)
The prayer deepens, targeting the core of our being—the heart. We ask the Breath of God to work “Until my heart is pure.” This is the sanctifying work of the Spirit, cleansing us from sinful motives and desires. This internal purity leads to the ultimate surrender: “Until with Thee I will one will.”The goal is the dissolution of our stubborn self-will into a joyful, resolved alignment with God’s will, granting us the grace “to do and to endure” whatever His purposes require. It is the prayer of Christ in Gethsemane made our own.

3. It is a Hymn for Complete Consecration and Holy Zeal (Verse 3)
We pray for the Spirit’s work to be total. “Till I am wholly Thine” expresses a desire for no part of our life to be withheld from God’s lordship. The beautiful imagery “Until this earthly part of me Glows with Thy fire divine” speaks of transformation. Our mortal, clay-like nature is to become a vessel radiating the holy, purifying, and empowering fire of the Spirit’s presence—a living testament to His indwelling power.

4. It is a Hymn for Eternal Life Already Begun (Verse 4)
The hymn concludes with a triumphant view of the Spirit’s work as the guarantee and foretaste of eternity. The life imparted by the Spirit is not merely for earthly piety; it is the very essence of eternal life. “So shall I never die” refers to spiritual death, asserting that the Spirit-born life is everlasting. We ask to begin living now “the perfect life Of Thine eternity”—a quality of divine life that transcends time, which we will experience fully in heaven but can partake of increasingly here on earth through the Spirit.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Does your spiritual life feel dry, mechanical, or powerless? Are you struggling to love what God loves or to submit your will to His? This hymn offers the solution.

Stop striving in your own strength. Come before God with the simple, desperate prayer of this hymn. Invite the Holy Spirit to breathe upon you. Ask for His life to fill you afresh. Be specific: ask Him to purify a hidden corner of your heart, to align a stubborn will, to set a lukewarm affection on fire for God’s glory.

The God who formed humanity with His breath and revived the disciples with His breath is ready to revive you. Open your heart. Inhale His grace. Exhale your self-sufficiency. Let His divine breath be your life today and forever.

Breathe on me, Breath of God.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the life-giving Holy Spirit, Amen.

This is hymn 50 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 50: CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE

1. Conquerors And Overcomers Now Are We,
Thro The Precious Blood Of Christ We’ve Victory
If The Lord Be For Us, We Can Never Fail,
Nothing ‘Gainst His Mighty Pow’r Can E’er Prevail.

Refrain:
Conquerors Are We, Through The Blood Of Jesus,
God Will Give Us Victory, Through The Blood Of Jesus,
Thro The Lamb For Sinners Slain,
Yet Who Lives And Reigns Again,
More Than Conquerors Are We,
More Than Conquerors Are We.

2. In The Name Of Israel’s God We’ll Onward Press,
Overcoming Sin And All Unrighteousness;
Not To Us, But Unto Him The Praise Shall Be,
For Salvation And For Blood Bought Victory.

3. Unto Him That Overcometh Shall Be Given,
Here To Eat Of Hidden Manna Sent From Heav’n,
Over Yonder He The Victors Palm Shall Bear,
And A Robe Of White, And Golden Crown Shall Wear.

CONQUERORS AND OVERCOMERS NOW ARE WE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we conclude this series of reflections with a triumphant anthem of victory. “Conquerors and Overcomers Now Are We” is not a hymn of future hope alone, but a bold declaration of our present spiritual reality in Christ. It is a song of identity, reminding us that because of the Cross and the empty tomb, we are not fighting for victory, but from a position of victory already secured. This hymn instills holy confidence and directs all glory to the Lamb who makes us “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37).

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to boldly proclaim our identity in Christ, to strengthen our resolve in spiritual warfare, and to fix our eyes on the eternal reward that awaits the faithful. It is a hymn for the battle-weary saint, a rallying cry that our struggles are not in vain because the decisive war has already been won by our Champion.

1. It is a Hymn of Present Identity and Unassailable Power (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a powerful statement of fact: “Conquerors and overcomers now are we.”This is our current status, not a future aspiration. The source of this victory is singular and precious: “thro’ the precious blood of Christ.” Our confidence is then rooted in the ultimate promise of God’s presence: “If the Lord be for us, we can never fail” (Romans 8:31). No enemy, circumstance, or spiritual force “can e’er prevail” against the one whose life is hidden in the mighty power of God. We stand not in our strength, but in His sovereign alliance.

2. It is a Hymn of Active Warfare and Divine Glory (Verse 2)
Our identity as conquerors is not passive. We are called to “onward press,” to actively engage in overcoming “sin and all unrighteousness.” We press on in the authority of “the name of Israel’s God,” the covenant-keeping, victorious Lord. However, the hymn carefully guards against pride. The moment we claim victory, we must deflect the glory: “Not to us, but unto Him the praise shall be.” The victory is entirely His achievement—a “salvation and… blood-bought victory” that we merely walk in by grace.

3. It is a Hymn of Promised Reward and Eternal Honor (Verse 3)
This verse connects our present overcoming with future, glorious rewards promised in Scripture. It echoes Christ’s words to the churches in Revelation: “Unto him that overcometh…” (Revelation 2:17). The promises are profound:

• Present Sustenance: To eat of “hidden manna”—the deep, satisfying communion with Christ that the world knows nothing of.
• Future Vindication: To bear the “victor’s palm”—the symbol of triumphant endurance.
• Eternal Honor: To be clothed in a “robe of white” (purity and righteousness) and crowned with “golden crown” (authority and honor in His kingdom).
  Our faithful overcoming on earth is met with gracious reward in heaven.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Victorious Shout
The refrain is the explosion of praise that this truth creates. We are conquerors through one specific means: “the blood of Jesus.” Victory is God’s gift to us through that same blood. We celebrate the paradox of the “Lamb for sinners slain, yet who lives and reigns again,” and we ascend to the glorious peak of the New Testament promise: we are not just conquerors, but “more than conquerors” through Him who loved us.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling defeated by a habitual sin, a persistent fear, or a seemingly impossible circumstance? This hymn commands you to remember who you are.

You are not a victim; you are a victor. You are an overcomer. Not because of your willpower, but because of the precious blood of Christ and the fact that the Lord Almighty is for you. Today, take your stand on that truth. Press onward against sin in His mighty name. When you gain ground, give Him all the praise.

And as you fight, lift your eyes. See the hidden manna of His presence sustaining you now. See the victor’s palm, the white robe, and the crown that await you. You are fighting from victory, toward a reward. So, stand firm, press on, and proclaim with confidence: Through the blood of Jesus, more than conquerors are we!

To the Lamb who was slain and who lives to make us conquerors, be all glory forever. Amen.

This is hymn 49 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 49: STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD

1. Standing On The Promises Of Christ Our King,
Thro’ Eternal Ages Let His Praises Ring:
Glory In The Highest, I Will Shout And Sing,
Standing On The Promises Of God.

Refrain:
Standing, Standing,
Standing On The Promises Of God My Savior;
Standing, Standing,
I’m Standing On The Promises Of God.

2. Standing On The Promises That Can-Not Fail,
When The Howling Storms Of Doubt And Fear Assail
By The Living Word Of God I Shall Prevail,
Standing On The Promises Of God.
[Refrain]

3. Standing On The Promises I Now Can See
Perfect, Present Cleansing In The Blood For Me;
Standing In The Liberty Where Christ Makes Free,
Standing On The Promises Of God.
[Refrain]

4. Standing On The Promises Of Christ, The Lord,
Bound To Him Eternally By Love’s Strong Cord,
Overcoming Daily With The Spirit’s Sword,
Standing On The Promises Of God.
[Refrain]

STANDING ON THE PROMISES OF GOD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in a world of uncertainty, shifting opinions, and unstable foundations, the child of God has been given an immovable place to stand. This vibrant hymn, “Standing on the Promises of God,” is a declaration of confidence, a strategy for warfare, and a testimony of security. It directs us away from the sinking sand of our circumstances and feelings to the solid rock of God’s covenantal promises in Christ.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to affirm our active faith in the reliability of God’s Word, to fortify ourselves against spiritual attack, and to celebrate the stability and victory that come from basing our entire life on what God has said. It is a hymn of defiance against doubt and a proclamation of triumph through truth.

1. It is a Hymn of Eternal Praise and Present Position (Verse 1)
Our standing is not on a philosophy, but on a person and his pronouncements: “the promises of Christ, our King.” This position of security is the very grounds for our eternal praise—“Thro’ eternal ages let His praises ring.” Because His promises are yea and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20), our praise can be confident and ceaseless. The act of “standing” is the posture of faith that actively receives and relies upon what God has spoken. We glory, shout, and sing from this secure foundation.

2. It is a Hymn of Unfailing Assurance in Spiritual Storms (Verse 2)
This verse tests our foundation against life’s fiercest gales: “the howling storms of doubt and fear.” When these assail, the character of the promise is our defense: they “cannot fail.” Our prevailing power is not found in positive thinking, but in the “living Word of God” (Hebrews 4:12)—the active, powerful, and eternal truth that silences lies and calms the soul. In the storm, we do not retreat; we stand firmer on the specific promise that counteracts the specific fear.

3. It is a Hymn of Present Cleansing and Glorious Liberty (Verse 3)
Here, the hymn makes our standing intensely personal and present. We don’t just stand on future hopes, but on present realities. We can “see”—have assurance of—“perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me.” This is the promise of forgiveness and purity, right now. From that cleansing flows “liberty where Christ makes free.” Our standing is on the promise of freedom from sin’s guilt, power, and condemnation (John 8:36).

4. It is a Hymn of Bound Security and Daily Conquest (Verse 4)
Our standing is not a cold, legal transaction; it is the fruit of a loving, eternal union. We are “Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord.” This secure relationship equips us for daily conflict. The “Spirit’s sword,” which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17), is our weapon for “overcoming daily.”Our daily victories in holiness and spiritual warfare are achieved not by our strength, but by wielding the very promises upon which we stand. The promise and the weapon are one and the same.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Steadfast Confession
The repeated, emphatic “Standing, standing” is more than a lyric; it is a confession of faith, a mantra for the soul under pressure. It reaffirms our choice and our position: we are planted on the promises of God our Savior.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you facing a storm of doubt, fear, or circumstance that threatens to sweep you off your feet? This hymn calls you to plant yourself—to consciously, deliberately stand—on a specific promise of God.

Open His Word. Find a promise that speaks to your need. It may be a promise of His presence (Hebrews 13:5), His provision (Philippians 4:19), His cleansing (1 John 1:9), or His peace (John 14:27). Choose to stand on it. Declare it against the howling wind. Wield it as your sword against the enemy’s lies.

You are bound to Christ by love. His promises cannot fail. So, stand firm today, not on your own resolve, but on the eternal, unfailing, living promises of your King. From that position, your praise will ring out, and your victory is sure.

Stand firm in the Lord.

In the name of Jesus, the Amen to all God’s promises, Amen.

This is hymn 48 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 48: PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR

1. Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,
Hear My Humble Cry;
While On Others Thou Art Calling,
Do Not Pass Me By.

Refrain:
Savior, Savior,
Hear My Humble Cry;
While On Others Thou Art Calling,
Do Not Pass Me By.

2. Let Me, At Thy Throne Of Mercy
Find A Sweet Relief;
Kneeling There In Deep Contrition,
Help My Unbelief. [Refrain]

3. Trusting Only In Thy Merit,
Would I Seek Thy Face;
Heal My Wounded, Broken Spirit,
Save Me By Thy Grace. [Refrain]

4. Thou, The Spring Of All My Comfort,
More Than Life To Me,
Whom Have I On Earth Beside Thee?
Whom In Heaven But Thee? [Refrain]

PASS ME NOT, O GENTLE SAVIOUR HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, while many hymns celebrate the joy of salvation, this heartfelt plea, “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour,” gives voice to the soul in its moment of desperate longing and holy fear. It is the prayer of one who sees the grace of God at work in others and, feeling their own deep need, cries out to be included. This hymn teaches us that the doorway to Christ’s presence is not self-confidence, but a humble, persistent cry for mercy.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to express our utter dependence on God’s grace, to combat the fear of being overlooked by God, and to model the posture of humble, persistent prayer. It is a hymn for the seeker, the struggling believer, and anyone who feels their spiritual poverty. It reminds us that our Savior is “gentle” and hears the humble cry.

1. It is a Hymn of Urgent, Personal Appeal (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a cry born from observation and fear. The singer sees Christ’s work in others—His calling, His blessing—and is gripped by a holy terror of being missed. “While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.” This is not a demand, but a “humble cry.” It acknowledges God’s sovereign freedom to call whom He will, yet pleads for inclusion. The doubled address, “Saviour, Saviour,” intensifies the personal, pleading nature of the prayer. It is the prayer of the blind beggar Bartimaeus on the roadside, refusing to be silenced (Mark 10:47-48).

2. It is a Hymn of Seeking Relief and Honest Struggle (Verse 2)
The soul knows where the answer lies: at the “throne of mercy.” We come not to a throne of judgment, but of grace, to find “sweet relief” (Hebrews 4:16). The posture is one of “deep contrition”—a genuine sorrow for sin. Yet, in beautiful honesty, the prayer includes a cry that every believer understands: “Help my unbelief.” We acknowledge that even our faith is weak and needs the strengthening hand of the very Savior we are seeking (Mark 9:24).

3. It is a Hymn of Rejecting Self and Trusting Merit (Verse 3)
Here, the theology of the plea is made clear. We approach “Trusting only in Thy merit.” We bring no resume, no personal worthiness. Our only plea is the finished work of Christ. The requests are profound: first for inner healing (“Heal my wounded, broken spirit”), and then for ultimate salvation (“save me by thy grace”). The healing of the spirit and the saving of the soul are both works of His grace alone.

4. It is a Hymn of Christ as Supreme Treasure (Verse 4)
The plea culminates in a declaration of Christ’s supreme worth. He is not just a means to an end; He is the end itself. He is the “spring of all my comfort” and “More than life to me.” The soul, having sought Him, now realizes His incomparable value. The rhetorical questions—“Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?”—echo Psalm 73:25, affirming that God alone is the soul’s ultimate portion and desire, both now and forever.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you feel passed by? Do you see God’s blessing in the lives of others while you struggle with need, doubt, or a sense of spiritual distance? This hymn gives you the language for your prayer.

Do not silence your cry. Bring your humble plea to the gentle Savior. Be honest about your unbelief, your brokenness, and your complete lack of merit. Cling only to His.

Remember, the very fact that your heart cries out to not be passed by is evidence of the Spirit’s work within you. The gentle Savior stops for the one who cries. Come to the throne of mercy today. He will not pass by a seeking, contrite heart.

Cry out to Him. He is listening.

In the name of Jesus, our Gentle Savior and Merciful High Priest, Amen.

This is hymn 47 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 47: HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY

1. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early In The Morning
Our Song Shall Rise To Thee;
Holy, Holy, Holy,
Merciful And Mighty!
God In Three Persons,
Blessed Trinity!

2. Holy, Holy, Holy,
All The Saints Adore Thee,
Casting Down Their Golden Crowns
Around The Glassy Sea;
Cherubim And Seraphim
Falling Down Before Thee,
Which Wert And Art
And Evermore Shalt Be.

3. Holy, Holy, Holy,
Though The Darkness Hide Thee,
Though The Eye Of Sinful Man
Thy Glory May Not See,
Only Thou Art Holy;
There Is None Beside Thee,
Perfect In Power, In Love,
And Purity.

4. Holy, Holy, Holy,
Lord God Almighty!
All Thy Works Shall Praise
Thy Name, In Earth And Sky, And Sea;
Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful And Mighty!
God In Three Persons,
Blessed Trinity.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, LORD GOD ALMIGHTY HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we now stand before a hymn that is universally recognized as the supreme song of adoration to the Triune God. “Holy, Holy, Holy” is not merely a hymn; it is theology set to music, a vision of heavenly worship opened to earth. Based on Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:3) and the throne-room scene of Revelation (Revelation 4:8), it lifts our hearts to join the unceasing chorus of creation and the hosts of heaven in declaring the primary, overwhelming attribute of God: His Holiness.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to engage in the highest occupation of the creature: the worship of the Creator for who He is in His transcendent purity and power. It recalibrates our perspective, humbles our pride, and fills us with awe for the “Blessed Trinity.” It is traditionally the first hymn of many services, rightly placing God’s nature at the foundation of our gathering.

1. It is a Hymn of Dawn and Doctrine (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with the eternal cry of heaven: “Holy, Holy, Holy.” This triple invocation is a scriptural formula signifying the supreme, intensifying holiness of God and is a profound allusion to the Trinity. We are invited to make this heavenly praise our first earthly priority: “Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.” Worship is to be our dawn. The verse then balances God’s awe-inspiring attributes: He is both “Merciful and Mighty.” His holiness does not make Him unapproachable because it is tempered with mercy. The verse culminates in the great mystery of our faith: “God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity.” Our worship is directed to the One God who exists in the eternal community of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. It is a Hymn of Heavenly Worship (Verse 2)
Our gaze is drawn to the throne room. “All the saints adore Thee,” casting down their hard-won crowns—a symbol of ultimate submission and the acknowledgment that all glory belongs to God alone. The “glassy sea” speaks of transcendent peace and purity before His throne. We are joined by the highest orders of angels, “Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before Thee.” Their eternal song affirms God’s timeless nature: “Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.” To sing this is to join the eternal present of heavenly worship.

3. It is a Hymn of Human Limitation and Divine Uniqueness (Verse 3)
This verse brings a sobering and humbling truth. Our fallen state creates a barrier: “Though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see.” Sin has blinded us to the fullness of His radiance. Yet, this in no way diminishes the truth: “Only Thou art holy; There is none beside Thee.” His holiness is absolute, unique, and incomparable. It is “perfect in power, in love, and purity.” Even when we cannot see Him clearly, His nature remains the objective reality. Our worship is an act of faith in what is true, even when veiled.

4. It is a Hymn of Universal Praise and Culminating Doxology (Verse 4)
The hymn concludes by declaring that this praise is the destiny of all creation. “All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth and sky, and sea.” The cosmos itself is a testament to His holiness. The final lines resoundingly repeat the opening themes—His might, His mercy, and the mystery of the Trinity—sealing the hymn as a perfect circle of praise that begins and ends in the same glorious truth.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you feel the weight of the ordinary, the petty, or the sinful? This hymn is your transport to the throne room.

Let the “Holy, Holy, Holy” break over your soul like waves, cleansing your perspective. Humble yourself with the saints and angels; cast your anxieties, achievements, and crowns before Him. Acknowledge that your sin-darkened eyes see only a glimpse, but by faith, adore the God who is Perfect in Power, Love, and Purity.

Make your day an extension of this hymn. Let its truth be the first thought of your morning and the last of your night. For you are called to join the everlasting song that echoes from the angels to the apostles, from the church on earth to the church in glory: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord!