We believe that the peaceful presence of the Holy Spirit lives within each believer and operates in our lives to teach, guide, comfort and help us. Jesus’ promises from John 14:25-27 capture this.
These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
– John 14:25-27
Spend a moment in silence and simply receive the gift that is given – peace. A peace from God that is not like the world’s imperfect versions of peace. His peace is not something you can deserve, earn, understand, or acquire...it is given. Our part is just simply to look to Jesus and receive.
One way that we can harness the intricacies of how God made our physical body to usher in this peace is through a practice that centuries of Christians have referred to as breath prayers. They are meant to focus our minds on a simple statement of truth and to let our breath calm us at every level of our being until we are still enough to perceive and receive from God. Other things may come to mind as you practice this breath prayer. Rather than try to ignore or resolve those thoughts (which usually come in the form of worries or distractions), instead simply release them to the One who cares about every aspect of our lives.
Choose a pair of statements that resonate with you today and breathe slowly and deeply as you repeat it silently in your mind 5-10 times:
Breathe in: Filled with your Presence
Breathe out: Releasing all else
Breathe in: Christ in me
Breathe out: Me in Christ
Breathe in: I receive God’s love
Breathe out: I rely on God’s love
Breathe in: You are with me Lord
Breathe out: I am listening
Breathe in: Peace of Christ
Breathe out: Guard my heart and mind
Breathe in: Jesus Christ, son of the Living God
Breathe out: Have mercy on me a sinner