“Cast all your anxiety on God, because God cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
It is an anxious time as non-essential businesses are poised to shut down tonight. Anxieties related to finances, our health and that of our loved ones….. the list of concerns is long. We are uncertain about many things as our Lenten journey continues. Amidst the uncertainty my heart is warmed to hear how we are adjusting daily. Today, I received an email with photo attached showing a face mask that had just been sewn. Further supplies are on order and response to urgent need is under way. In a phone call earlier today, a congregant shared how she placed notes in her rural neighbour’s mailboxes asking that email addresses be shared with the hope neighbours could become connected at this uncertain time. How delighted that neighbours responded and are connecting.
How did you reach out today with your heart, with your words, with compassion where you could not touch?. Our loving actions are a way to counter anxiety and fear. Prayer also helps to keep us centered and present.
The practice of “breath prayers” is an ancient form of prayer. A breath prayer is as simple as choosing two short lines to meditate upon. Inhaling deeply with one short phrase and exhaling through second, can help keep us grounded and conscious of God’s presence with us during this uncertain time. Drawing upon Scripture, here are some options:
Inhale: Humble and gentle One,
Exhaule: you are rest for my soul (Matthew 11. 28-30)
Inhale: True Vine and Gardener,
Exhale: I abide in You (John 15)
Inhale: Nothing can separate me
Exhale: from the love of God (Romans 8: 38-39)
Inhale: Be still
Exhale: and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
Inhale: On earth
Exhale: as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10)
Inhale: I will not be afraid
Exhale: for You are with me (Psalm 23)
May we draw near to God as God draws near to us for the living of these days. May we continue to reach out to one another as God in love reaches out to us.
Inhale: Peace of Christ
Exhale: guard my heart (Philippians 4:7)
Amen,
Held in prayer,
Kara