The name of God matches the sound of our first breath.
Y H W H
The consonants of this ancient Hebrew word echo the sound of breathing. When Moses first asked to hear the personal name of God, he discovered that it might have been a name he had been speaking all along. A name so holy, yet so intrinsically part of being human that it was there without him even knowing it.
Humanity has spoken this name since the beginning, where God shaped us out of the earth and placed His breath in our lungs.
We have life because God first breathed into us. Every in and out, in and out, we are living in a rhythm of sacred dependence upon our creator; the one in whom we live and move and have our being.
This week we are reflecting on what it means to rely on God for our very breath, and how in a time of breathlessness we can trust Him to bring us life.
In this passage we read about a pretty extraordinary vision; scattered bones being drawn back together, flesh appearing out of thin air and finally the breath of God transforming skeletons into living men and women.
This metaphor is God’s promise for a people who are feeling dried up, cut off and have lost hope. He transforms isolation and shadow into life full and bright with His presence.
As you listen to this song reflect on where you might be needing the spirit of God to bring you back to life. Invite the Holy Spirit to breathe healing and transformation in those places that feel dead and dry.
Song – Breath by The Brilliance:
Sometimes it can be helpful to combine a physical and spiritual response when we pray. ‘Breathing Prayers’ have been part of the Christian tradition for hundreds of years and are rooted in the knowledge that God gave us his breath of life in the beginning.
The physical act of measuring our breath reminds us of how deeply connected we are to our creator as well as slowing us down and helping us rest.
Breathe in / Breathe out
Feel the steadiness of the ground beneath your feet
Breathe in / Breathe out.
Scan your body, noticing any aches and pains. The anxiety that makes your shoulders tense, the responsibilities that make your back weary. Perhaps there is strain from the things you haven’t done, or tightness from the uncertainty of things to come. Perhaps your feet are just tired and sore from persevering.
Recognise all these things, feel the weight of them, and invite the Holy Spirit to wash over you.
From the top of your head to the tips of your toes
Let it all fall away
Let it all fall away.
Breathe in / Breathe out
Let the ebb and flow of your breath push away any thoughts that try to steal your attention
Breathe in / Breathe out
Inhale ‘my soul finds rest’
Exhale ‘in Christ alone’
Inhale ‘my soul finds rest’
Exhale ‘in Christ alone’
With these next breaths try breathing in and out with these words, or use your own simple prayer or line of scripture.
Breathe in / Breathe out
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
