Silverwood

To watch last Sunday's worship service, 

May's Spiritual Practice Challenge – Breath Prayer

​

“…then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath

of life; and the man became a living being. ” Genesis 2:7, NRSV

​

“The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes

from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Jesus, John 3:8, NRSV

​

“And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire

house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested

on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit….” Acts 2:2-4, NRSV

​

Breathing is an essential and yet mysterious part of life. In the moments before you just read the previous statement you were probably not thinking about your breath at all. But now it’s probably difficult not to think about your own breathing!

In both of the Biblical languages of Hebrew (ruach) and Greek (pneuma) the translation of breath can mean either wind, breath, or spirit. At creation, God breathes life into humankind. Jesus explains the work of the Spirit by noting how it is like the wind in John 3. And when the apostles receive the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Luke records it as the sound of a mighty wind.

For the month of May, Discipling Commission is inviting you to connect with your own breath and the breath

of God by practicing some breath prayers. The spiritual discipline of breath prayers helps us to:

- connect with our Creator God

- center us on the life and actions of Jesus whom we follow

- and bring us into step with the work of the Holy Spirit

Find a non-distracting place to sit. Choose a chair that is more like a kitchen chair then an easy chair. Sit up straight with both your feet flat on the floor; relax your arms and hands either at your side or in your lap. Take three deep breaths in and out. Your belly should expand and contract as you do this type of deep breathing. Sit quietly for a few more breaths. When you are ready say your breath prayer three times.

The most traditional breath prayer goes like this: as you breath in say “LORD God” then as you breath out say, “have mercy on me a sinner.” But there are many phrases that can help center you on God. You can choose one of the following or develop your own. The first section of the phrase has to do with God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. The second section has to do with your response to God or your request to God.

- Jesus, My Savior/I am your beloved brother/sister/sibling

- Holy Spirit, Comforter/bring me your peace

- LORD God, Creator/here I am

- Jesus, Lamb of God/bring your kingdom

May you be blessed.