Slideshow image

A few weeks ago, Patrick wrote the newsletter about the fruit of the Spirit. Around the same time, my husband, Nick, introduced our small group to a meditation he had done during devotion time with his coworkers (he works for a Christian organization). It was a series of “breath prayers”, going through each of the fruits of the Spirit. It was really impactful for our small group and Nick and I have continued to do them pretty often. 

I feel like our time in Romans has given us a greater focus on the Holy Spirit’s work in us. We can’t be righteous or even grow in these fruits on our own - we need only to agree with and yield to the Spirit’s work. These breath prayers have been a really helpful way to start the day, refocus our minds before challenging situations or to generally just remember the power of God’s Spirit that lives in us. By His power and not our own, we can be loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled. We can grow each day in displaying this fruit when we invite the Spirit of God to control our hearts and minds and make us more like Jesus.

Without further ado, here are the breath prayers. I hope you find them as helpful as we have!

 

Love

Breathe in: Receive God’s unconditional love.

Breathe out: Release any inhibitions to sharing that same kind of love with others.

 

Joy

Breathe in: Draw in a deep, steady gladness that isn’t shaken by circumstances.

Breathe out: Let go of cynicism and heaviness.

 

Peace

Breathe in: Inhale the calming, steady presence of Christ.

Breathe out: Exhale the rush, the anxiety, and the need to control.

 

Patience

Breathe in: Receive God’s grace for your own unsteadiness.

Breathe out: Release the urge to rush God’s timing or snap at others.

 

Kindness

Breathe in: Feel the gentle tenderness of God toward you.

Breathe out: Offer a soft and gracious heart toward someone who tests you.

 

Goodness

Breathe in: Welcome integrity and morality into your thoughts.

Breathe out: Let go of hidden grudges or self-serving motives.

 

Faithfulness

Breathe in: Rest in the steady, unchanging character of God.

Breathe out: Commit to showing up with loyalty in the small, unseen moments.

 

Gentleness

Breathe in: Breathe in a calm, gentle disposition.

Breathe out:: Release harshness, sharp words, or a need to be right.

 

Self-Control

Breathe in: Receive the Spirit’s guidance and steadiness.

Breathe out: Surrender impulsive reactions to the Spirit’s care.