Lent 2021: A Story to Live BySample

God-breathed

'God formed Man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life. The Man came alive – a living soul!' (Genesis 2:7 The Message)

Breath. We take it for granted because it comes to us so easily. But without it, where would we be?

I remember an encounter with my own breath whilst hiking in Brand Park in Glendale, Los Angeles. When I reached the top of the hill, there was a vast open space and it was just me, in the silence. I noticed a sign that said ‘BREATHE’. 

I took a deep breath that day that emptied me of the cares that I was carrying and the busyness of the city below me. As I took that breath, I felt a peace fill me that I know only comes from God.

I love the intimacy of this account of creation: God is as close to us as our breath. In times of busyness and anguish, I often take myself back in my mind to that moment, when my breath ran deep and I once again became a living soul. I invite you, today, to do the same. 

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the gift of breath you gave us. Help us create the time and space to breathe. In those moments, help us to experience depths of peace and heights of joy knowing that the breath that you gave us sustains us. Amen.

Author: Liz Muir 

Liz is the Diversity and Inclusion Manager for Tearfund.