Song Meaning
This prayer opens with a powerful sense of spiritual connection, describing moments of intense feeling that arise during prayer. The narrator feels the "spirit" and a "heart's desire" when they turn inward, suggesting a deep, personal communion. This isn't just quiet reflection; it's an active, almost fiery experience, as the lyrics state, "He sends down a fire." This divine energy seems to be the catalyst for the central plea.
The core of the prayer is a profound act of surrender and redirection. The narrator doesn't ask for personal comfort or divine intervention in their own life. Instead, they express a desire to become a conduit for something greater: "Lord, make me a channel of your peace." This shifts the focus from receiving to giving, from personal spiritual fulfillment to outward service.
The repetition of "Everytime I feel... When I pray" emphasizes the consistent nature of this spiritual experience and the direct link between prayer and divine response. The phrase "sends down a fire" is a striking image, suggesting not just warmth but a transformative, purifying force. This internal fire, received through prayer, fuels the desire to then transmit peace outwards.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their directness and the compelling contrast between the intense personal spiritual experience and the selfless outward request. The narrator’s willingness to be a "channel" after feeling God's "fire" creates a powerful arc of spiritual receptivity leading to active benevolence.