(OGA) For many years now, I take time to breathe when I begin to pray. I breathe in deeply and hold it for a moment. Then I breathe out slowly and intentionally. Some time ago I started saying a phrase to myself. As I inhale, I say, “breathe in God’s mercies.” As I exhale, I say, “breathe out God’s mercies to the world.”
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
Physiologists tell us that deep breathing lowers one’s blood pressure, reduces heartrate and stress levels, and even relaxes our muscles.
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
One of the key traits of faithful leaders is to be a “non-anxious presence,” especially in times of tension and conflict.
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
When I am in a difficult moment, breathing helps me keep perspective. I am immediately reminded that God’s grace is sufficient and God’s mercies are never-ending.
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
In Hebrew, ruah is the same word for “breath,” “spirit,” and “wind.” So, was it God’s wind or spirit or breath that swept over the face of the waters in the Creation story?
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
Was it God’s wind or spirit or breath that descended like a dove on Jesus as he was baptized and came up out of the Jordan River?
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
Was it God’s wind or spirit or breath that was poured out on the church at Pentecost?
Breathe in God’s mercies. Breathe out God’s mercies to the world.
It was all three.
Leading in these days means we are filled with God’s wind, God’s spirit, God’s breath.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
For reflection:
- How do you experience God’s ruah personally and communally?
- Where are you being called to be a non-anxious presence?
- What does it mean to breathe God’s mercies upon the whole world?
by Rodger Nishioka, senior associate pastor at Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, for Office of the General Assembly
