Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wednesday, Third Week of Lent

God is For Us, With Us, Within Us

"God wants to be as close to us as our breath.  God wants to breathe in us, so that all we say, think and do is completely inspired by God."   (Henri Nouwen)

Have you ever noticed how typical it is to hold your breath or to breathe shallowly or rapidly when you are frightened or angry?

A breath can make all the difference in the world.  Physically it nourishes the brain and all the cells.  Mentally it clears the mind.  Emotionally it calms the feelings.  And spiritually, it unites you with the one whose breath is an inhalation away.

God's breath offers life, nourishment, and even the means by which we can move peacefully from one moment to the next.

Sometimes I pray while watching our fish tank.  I envision myself surrounded by the breath of God,  in the same way that the fish are surrounded by water -- water which provides them with oxygen, food and mobility.



                                         (from Pamela's Sketch Book)

Breathing in the breath of God I am inspired as one known by, claimed by and loved by God.  That is, until I am short of breath.   Sometimes that happens several times in a day or an hour.

But I know that God is closer than a breath away.

Prayer:  Lord, help me remember to breathe.

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