Life in the Spirit

SUSAN M DICK
Jun 19
4 min read

The Spirit of God has made me,

the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job 33: 4 NIV

On a recent overnight flight home from vacation, I thought about all the wonderful people my husband and I had met, and dined with. I gave thanks for the delicious food and the experiences we had exploring museums, meandering through gardens, parks, and standing beneath magnificent monuments that were built hundreds of years before.

One of the last scenes we stopped to admire were the sailboats gliding together down the Seine, with a family not too far from us who had their little girl propped up to take in this peaceful scene with her parents.

It was no accident that when I got home I continued reading a book by Mike Bickle, who used an image of ancient warships propelled by rows of oarsmen and sails to expound upon three modes of prayer. As I was reading, I recalled Jesus’ conversation about the very breath of life with religious leader, Nicodemus.

Jesus spoke, “The wind blows where it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it’s going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3: 8).

In Growing In Prayer, the first type of prayer was likened to a vessel on a quiet day with a gentle breeze; just enough to help a tiny bit so the boat could easily move. This light air, I thought, would be like the invisible work of the Holy Spirit .You and I may sense the breath of peace in prayer, but in our human condition many times we do not focus on it, and often end up taking it for granted.

The second type of prayer would be out on the water during a windy day. The weather lifts the riders along with minimal effort. In reflection, it seemed to me that this analogy represented our hearts in tune with Jesus when we sense his calming protection and direction moving you and I at a greater speed in our lives. Here we become more aware of his presence.

The third type would be rowing under extreme pressure and fear. The disciples who went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum experienced this mode of prayer firsthand. ‘By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When they had rowed three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading (John 6: 18-20).’

The disciples were scared and had not expected Jesus to act this way.

For me, this miracle shows how despite our circumstances Jesus is present to soothe our fears, dry our tears, and lead us to the other side. You and I may not be rowing a boat, but you and I do walk through storms, and loss of many kinds. In fact, “the breath of life is referenced ten times in the Old Testament, and once in the New Testament totaling eleven times in the New International Version of the Bible alone.

You see, you and I have the breath of life. All we need to do is trust God is with us. To breathe in his powerful presence.

These readings reminded me, and maybe you, too, that though the forces against us can seem powerful, God’s Holy Spirit is the most powerful of all.

The Holy Spirit is waiting. We may think we are off track, but God is steering the boat. All we have to do is let him, and remember his words, “It is I; don’t be afraid” (John 6: 20).

Come now, sweet one, let’s pray Saint Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit:

“Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may be holy. Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may be holy.”

Amen.

Thank you, for your loving presence today, my friend.

Until next time…

May the Spirit of God lead you

The Word of God sustain you,

and the promises of God grant you the gift of everlasting peace.

Enjoy a beautiful day!

With joy and summer blessings.

It is my honor and privilege to pray for you. Please email me your prayer requests, praises, or to continue the conversation email me at sue@faithfirstwomen.com

Our Questions for Reflection are:

In what ways can I be more attentive to God’s voice?
How can the Holy Spirit guide my day?
Write or say a good prayer asking Jesus to fill you with his peace.

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