Thursday September 2, 2021

Today is Thursday, September 2 and this week we are exploring the concept of restoration and how it applies to the people of God.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I calm my thoughts and silence my mind. I breathe deeply and slowly. Breathe, just breathe. I center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, speak to my heart and my mind in the name of Jesus Christ. I strive to pay attention to Your still small voice. God, open the ears of my heart and teach me how to hear and comprehend what You are saying in my life. Amen.

I rejoice in the loving goodness and power of the Living God with the words of Psalm 104.

But if you turn away from them, they panic.

and you renew the face of the earth. Psalm 104:29-30

Pause and Pray

From the beginning of time, God has breathed life into the earth and its people. In Genesis 2, God forms the first human from the dust of the ground and breathes the breath of life into him (Genesis 2:7). He becomes a living being. In the Valley of Dry Bones, Ezekiel prophesies to the dead bones. The breath of God enters them and the dead come to life (Ezekiel 37). They stand up on their feet – a vast army that lives. As God breathes physical life into humanity, in the same way, Jesus breathes spiritual life into his followers. In the gospel of John, the resurrected Jesus breathes life into his people.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19-22

Alongside His early followers, I also receive the breath of the Holy Spirit from Jesus. The Spirit of God brings me new life and empowers my thoughts, actions and activity. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus inspires, energizes and sends me. I acknowledge there are parts of my life that remain unformed and inanimate like the dust of the ground. I invite God’s Spirit to breathe new life into me. I acknowledge there are parts of my life that have become brittle like dry bones. I invite God’s Spirit to breathe new life into me. That which was once alive and active needs restored and revitalized. I reflect on the words of the hymn, “Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew.”

Ask: In what areas of my life do I need a fresh wind of God to blow?

Pause and Pray

Jesus, Prince of Peace, I unlock the doors of my heart and invite you in. Come and stand beside me and speak into my life. Bring me the joy and peace that only you can give. I ask for your Holy Spirit to come and restore my soul. I read the words of John again and seek your message for me today.

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:19-22

Ask: What word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage?

God is speaking to me all the time, it is easiest for me to hear God when I slow down and listen. There are so many thoughts swirling around in my head and there is so much noise around me I likely miss much of what God wants to tell me. Today I reflect on Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit on the disciples. What might God be trying to tell me through the words and images of this scripture passage?

Pause and Pray

Come Holy Spirit, revive me as only You can. Bring new life, new hope, and new possibilities. Bring restoration, revival and renewal. Breathe on me, Breath of God. Fill me with life anew. I unlock the doors of my heart and ask Jesus to come in. Please come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go empowered by the new life Jesus provides. Show me who needs a breath of fresh air today and let me share the peace of Jesus Christ with them. Amen.