Disciples Learn to:
Pray for God’s Spirit

This coming Sunday is the Festival of Pentecost, both in the church past and present. Sometimes called the birthday of the church, it is on this day that the Holy Spirit is poured out on the disciples and 5000 people end up being baptized.

Our theme revolves around this gift of the Holy Spirit. According to Luke 11:13, He is the answer to what God gives when we ask, seek, and knock.

The answer to many situations can be more of God.

For instance more of God can bring more patience or more self-control. More of God might bring less frustration or less anxiety. Along with the gift of this Holy Spirit comes His wisdom, His guidance, His insight, His comfort as well as other dynamics and aspects He brings to the table. With this theme we are going to introduce short prayers offered to or through the Holy Spirit during the week.

They are known as breath prayers and you will learn more about them in tomorrow's devotion.

Breath Prayers

For now, a thought: Breath Prayers help combine intentionally-slowed breathing (helpful to relax) with simple thoughts turned into prayers. If you want other aids, a candle or soft music is good.

Breath prayers are kept short to coincide with one’s breathing: Inhale with one phrase, exhale with the second (not necessarily aloud); repeat to settle the mind and relax.

Here is an example to practice for today, known as “The Jesus Prayer;” it serves as our prayer for the day: Go through the prayer-cycle at least 4-5 times or more (8-10 puts you around a minute).

BREATH
PRAYER

(while inhaling): Lord Jesus....
(while exhaling): ... have mercy ....

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Repeat 4 to 5 times.

Psalm 119: Immersed in the Word of God

An explanation of the connection between Psalm 119 and the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet was provided in a previous devotion.

Micro-Meditation Scripture

Psalm 119:33-40 (Hei, 5th letter)

ה

33. Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,
    that I may follow it to the end.
34. Give me understanding,
    so that I may keep your law
    and obey it with all my heart.
35. Direct me in the path of your commands,
    for there I find delight.
36. Turn my heart toward your statutes
    and not toward selfish gain.
37. Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
    preserve my life according to your word.
38. Fulfill your promise to your servant,
    so that you may be feared.
39. Take away the disgrace I dread,
    for your laws are good.
40. How I long for your precepts!
    In your righteousness preserve my life.
    

Micro-Meditation Action

Read the verses of the Psalm two times.  Focus on what you see differently on the second reading.

Mark any words or phrases that catch your attention.

Meditate: Talk (or write in a journal) with God about the words that catch your attention. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect a response.

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Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point

The traditional meaning of the letter Hei is the breath of life, God’s breath. To work with our breath prayer learning, we’ll build simple prayers from the Psalm.

(Go through each breath prayer with 5-10 sequences).

BREATH
PRAYER

(while inhaling): Teach me Lord...
(while exhaling): ...the way of Your decrees....

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Repeat 5 to 10 times.