Breath of Life

“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

I remember some years ago catching a terrible cold during a visit to Aberdeen, Scotland. Within twenty-four hours it settled deep into my lungs – a dangerous thing for me, a quadriplegic. I was able to handle the cold while sitting up in my wheelchair, but at night while lying flat on my back in bed and unable to move, I gasped for breath.

I lay there in the dark, pushing away claustrophobic feelings. If only I could escape into sleep. If only morning would come. If only I could breathe! Then it hit me. What I was struggling with for the moment, thousands of people live with every day. I knew then what would relieve my panic: I began praying for every quadriplegic I knew who was hooked up to a respirator.

As I interceded for each one, I prayed that God would breathe on them his breath of life, his peace, calming their frustrations and dispelling their fears. I asked God to give each of them his peace. Before long, I mumbled my last prayer and drifted off into a deep, relaxed sleep.

Sometimes when we are gripped by fear, a good prescription for peace is to pray for others. Especially others who are pressured by circumstances more confining than yours. Think of someone who needs your prayers today and ask the Lord to breathe on that friend his breath of life and peace.

Breathe on me, Breath of God. Fill me with life anew,

That I may love what Thou dost love,

And do what Thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, Breath of God. Until my heart is pure,

Until with Thee I will one will,

To do and to endure. *1

1* Breathe on Me, Breath of God. Words of Edwin Hatch, music by Robert Jackson