His book was inspired by a season in his ministry where “the
breath” was knocked out of him. He
writes about his “compassion fatigue” and total lack of energy to serve
others. People would come to him with
their problems and he simply didn’t care anymore. He did not care!
Years ago this
condition was labeled burnout. Today,
we recognize the deeper issues that present themselves in episodes of anxiety,
depression, and chronic fatigue. More
and more people seem to be afflicted by these symptoms and the trend doesn’t
seem to be reversing.
Pastor Kai shares in his book how he slowly regained his
energy and joy for ministry, beginning with a simple practice of breath
prayers. He would find a place of quiet
and relaxation and simply breath in and breath out, listening to his own breath
and thanking God for the simple gift of life.
Kai writes: After
you feel relaxed in body and quiet in mind, think about something in your day
that is causing you stress – maybe a meeting with your board or a confrontation
with one of your kids – and name the energy you need for that particular
situation. Then pray this prayer over
and over again saying “Spirit of God” as you inhale, and then as you exhale
say, “restore my love,” or “give me patience” or “infuse me with energy.” Breath this prayer over and over again until
you feel yourself relax in regard to that particular situation.”
Kai continued to share that this prayer exercise didn’t work
miracles overnight. But little by little
his energy was being restored. He
concludes his introduction by saying, “Prayer is as simple as taking an
intentional breath and claiming that breath as Spirit energy, giving us what we
need for the situation or the day. Begin
stopping, noticing your breath and making it your prayer.”
Throughout the Bible, the Spirit is referred to as the
Breath of God. God created life and
humanity by his very breath in Genesis chapter one and two. Ezekiel the prophet envisioned a time of
restoration for the people of Israel as he saw God breathing new life into the
dry bones of the slain people. And
finally in the book of Acts, the Spirit breath of God animated the flagging
spirits of the early disciples and gave them new energies and courage to share
the good news of Jesus with the entire world.
May God bless you with that same Spirit, that same gift of
breath. May you draw deeply from the
wellsprings of God’s energy and grace!
The next time you are stressed out and facing a huge obstacle or
challenge in your life, just breath.
Breath in the very life of God and be renewed!
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