Pathways Press.com

Written by Whitney Hopler, a contemporary writer, editor, and website developer. 

When I encounter an especially stressful situation, I focus on my breathing while saying a silent prayer to God. It’s simple, yet significant. There’s something powerful that happens every time I inhale and exhale prayerfully. I notice God’s presence with me as I breathe. As I use the physical gift of breath that my Creator has given me, I connect with him spiritually. I become aware ofGod’s Holy Spirit inspiring me. The English word “inspire” comes from the Latin word “inspirare,” which means “to breathe or blow into or upon.” This reveals the profound linguistic connection between inspiration and breathing…Jesus gives his disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit – and he does so through the simple act of breathing. When Jesus breathes on his disciples and tells them to receive the Holy Spirit, he shows us how the act of breathing can welcome in God’s power. God has given us all the remarkable gift of breath. Genesis 2:7 reveals that God breathed life into the very first human being when he created humanity… Breathing sustains life in us physically. Each inhale draws in the life-giving oxygen that fuels our bodies, while each exhale releases carbon dioxide, cleansing us of waste. But our breathing not only sustains us physically, it also can inspire us spiritually…Embrace the gift of your breathing as a sacred way to connect with God anytime and anywhere! 

Again Jesus said, Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.  And with that he breathed on them and said, Receive the Holy Spirit. [ John 20:21-22]