Today’s Reflection
I am human and make mistakes often, but I have been given a gift that grounds me and humbles me every day: peace. This gift allows me to value and honor my body, including its imperfections. This gift also creates in me longing to listen for God with each breath I take and to invite you to do the same.
In scripture, as with my story, the word peace is often considered a gift. It is interpreted with various meanings including “wholeness” and “well-being.” Choose to explore God’s gift of peace today. A crisis is not required to learn how to listen for God’s activity in and around you, to use your breath and body, and to recognize God’s Spirit dwelling in you.
—Whitney R. Simpson, Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit (Upper Room Books, 2016)
Today’s Question
Can you spare two minutes? Pause. Feel your lungs rise and fall with each breath. Use the words from this week’s prayer to help you focus. Repeat for a full two minutes. When your mind strays, simply and calmly refocus on your breath. After the two minutes, consider this practice. Was it difficult? Is it something that would enhance your time with God each day? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:7 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Inhale: Jesus,
Exhale: give me peace.
[breath prayer from Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit by Whitney R. Simpson]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Our breath is always with us, which means we can practice breath meditation anywhere and anytime. To give breath meditation a try, follow the steps described here.
Lectionary Readings
- Proverbs 1:20-33
- Psalm 19
- James 3:1-12
- Mark 8:27-38
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
I liked this pause, intentional deep and slow breathing. I will try to incorporate it in my days this week.
Looking forward to church this morning. We are beginning a new series on Thessalonians, which will run until Advent.
Prayers for those who stop by here, to pause, to pray, to receive. Father God – continue to walk with us as we seek to glorify You in our daily lives. Thank You for Your provision and for our hope.
I started this breath prayer saying, “Jesus, give me peace” but soon changed to “Jesus, You are my peace.” Thank You, Lord. It wasn’t hard, without an eye on the clock, it went on for 11 minutes when I stopped to look. Yes, I could easily add this to my morning QT. Thank You, Lord.
Had an unplanned, unexpected, very pleasant time yesterday at the Jen’s Friends event. $130,000 was raised to help people with cancer. There was a great steel band, Mango Groove, a friend from church plays in it. Lunch was free for all, and there was a chairlift ride to the top of Cranmore Mountain and back. Thank You, Lord
Church this morning, another friend will sing to honor 9-11. Prayers for migrants , elections , and
an end to racism, bigotry, and hatred around the world. Lord , so many need Your peace. Thank You, Lord.
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