Advent Breath Prayer: The Little Things

Advent Breath Prayer: Dec 7

“His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onwards and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.” - Isaiah 9: 7

Inhale: “Uphold peace”
Exhale: “Through me.”

Breathe in and breathe out God’s word throughout the day in short pauses.

The pilgrimage towards the manger shows a path of peace that will be upheld with justice and righteousness. The peace of God is tethered to righting our wrongs and guiding us to lean more into God’s faithfulness.

Peace also hinges upon the little things.
Henri Nouwen asks “Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions.”

Dear God, guide me to offer peace in the little things today. Amen.

Advent Breath Prayer: Preparing the Way

Advent Breath Prayer: Dec 6

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins." - Luke 1: 76-77

Inhale: "Prepare"
Exhale: "The Way."

Breathe in and breathe out God's word throughout the day in short pauses. Light the second candle of the Advent wreath for peace.

The words from Luke are Zechariah's song. He lifts a song of peace to proclaim that his baby boy, John the Baptist, is preparing the way for the Lord, the Messiah, to come. John will grow up to prepare a way of confession that makes room for our hearts to be turned towards God's kingdom breaking in. The knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of sins allows us to unburden our hearts and to be covered by God's steadfast love and forgiveness. It is the first step towards experiencing God's peace.

What would you dare to confess to make room in your heart for Christ's peace to reign in your spiritual house? Would you name fear, grief, broken dreams, doubt, conflict? Spend some time today in prayer to unclutter your spiritual house and purge the obstacles to experience God's promises. Spend some prayerful time today to prepare the way of the Lord.

Dear God, help me to follow the tune of the song of peace and prepare the way of the Lord. Help me to make room for peace to reign inside so that I might share your hope and peace with others. Amen.

Advent Breath Prayer: My Dwelling Place

Advent Breath Prayer: Dec 5

"Lord, you have been our dwelling-place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." - Psalm 90: 1-2

Inhale: "You are"
Exhale: "My dwelling place."

Breathe in and breathe out God's word throughout the day in short pauses.

The gift of faith is one that has been passed down throughout the generations. God's steadfast love redefines us as God's beloved. God fashions us as a community and gives us gifts to bring about God's purposes. Consider the ways God is your dwelling place. Where do you find meaning in the sense of being "beloved," "connected to community," and "gifts for ministry?" Listen for the Spirit leading you to a deeper understanding of God as your dwelling place.

Dear God, I thank you for being our dwelling place in all generations. Deepen my conviction that you are my God. Amen.

Advent Breath Prayer: Groaning for Redemption

Advent Breath Prayer: Dec 4

"We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies." - Romans 8: 22-23

Inhale: "Creation and we"
Exhale: "Groan for redemption."

Breathe in and breathe out God's word throughout the day in short pauses.

Karl Barth once said we must hold the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. Paul's words speak to our groanings as we see the brokenness of creation and humanity all around us and we wait for God's redemption to break in.

This Advent season we are waiting for God to deliver our world, our community, our families, and our own hearts from all that oppresses us. We are experiencing the labor pains for the Christ child to birth freedom for the children of God. Listen for the groanings in the news, on the street, and in your conversations today and lift them to God. Hold God's Word in one hand and our brokenness in the other. How might God be leading you to lift your voice to be an advocate for others?

Dear God, your world and your children are groaning for your redemption. Deliver us by your hope, compassion, and strength. Amen.

Advent Breath Prayer: Glimmers of Hope

Advent Breath Prayer: Dec 3

“Lord, stir up your might and come save us!” – Psalm 80:2

Inhale: "Stir up your might"
Exhale: "Save us!"

Slowly breathe in and breathe out God's Word in short pauses throughout the day.

What is your heart heavy with this day? Think about the wounded places near and far that are crying out for God's healing. Trust that even into the restlessness of this day and even into the night, God's love is moving towards restoration. Look for glimmers of healing and hope. How might God be nudging you to extend hope to someone today?

Dear God, stir up your might and come save us! Let Your grace shine into the darkness. Amen.

Advent Breath Prayer: Tending Your Heart

Advent Breath Prayer: Dec 2

"Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flows the springs of life." - Proverbs 4:23 (NASB).

Inhale: "Watch over"
Exhale: "My heart."
Breathe in and breathe out God's word in short pauses through the day.

Every heart needs some comfort and tending. How might you better tend to your heart and spirit today? What spiritual discipline are you nurturing this Advent season? Take the time to read God's Word, rest in God's grace and listen for the Spirit whisper comfort to you. Connect your heart and mind with some journaling. Make your spirit move with exercise, a short walk, or stretching as you pray. Taking the time to tend to your heart will lead to a growing sense of peace. Do some tending today with diligence.

Dear God, watch over my heart today. Amen.

Advent Breath Prayer: You Are My Hope

Advent Breath Prayer: Hope, Dec 1

“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” – Psalm 71:5

Inhale: "You are my hope"
Exhale: "My trust .”
Slowly breathe in and breathe out God's Word in short pauses through the day.

The journey of Advent involves walking slowly in prayerful reflection. It is not only to reflect upon the present and to anticipate God's unfolding grace in the future. But it is also a time to reflect upon the past through the lens of faith. As you go through the day, reflect through the past weeks, months, and even years and consider experiences where God gave you hope. God's faithfulness still goes ahead of you today. What current situation are you hoping God will speak into? Are you trusting God is present and listening? How might God's Spirit be leading you to a new place of hope?

Lord, you are my hope and trust. Amen.