Breathing in God’s ways
by Pastor Stephen Abraham
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Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees, that I may follow it to the end (Psalm 119:33).
Read Psalm 119:33-40
In Psalm 119:33–40, we find a heartfelt plea to the Lord for guidance, understanding, and a heart aligned with his divine will. The psalmist’s words echo our own, yearning to walk closely with God, seeking his ways above all else. Today, I invite you to try a meditative practice of ‘breathing’ these verses as we read them together silently. It’s a simple way to receive God’s word contemplatively.
Get yourself comfortable and be in a space that is free of distractions. You might want to turn your devices to silent or wear headphones if you are in a noisy environment. You can lay your palms upward in the sign of the cross if you wish – a sign of your salvation and that you are open to receiving God’s word.
Breathe in slowly as you read the first half of each verse, and breathe out slowly over the last half. You might like to begin with a few deep, slow breaths as you say the invocation silently, continue with today’s verse and then end with prayer.
(breathing in)
In the name of the Father,
(breathing out)
and of the Son,
(breathing in)
and of the Holy Spirit,
(breathing out)
Amen.
(breathing in)
Teach me, Lord, the way of your decrees,
(breathing out)
that I may follow it to the end.
(breathing in)
Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
(breathing out)
and obey it with all my heart.
(breathing in)
Direct me in the path of your commands,
(breathing out)
for there I find delight.
(breathing in)
Turn my heart toward your statutes
(breathing out)
and not toward selfish gain.
(breathing in)
Turn my eyes away from worthless things;
(breathing out)
preserve my life according to your word.
(breathing in)
Fulfil your promise to your servant,
(breathing out)
so that you may be feared.
(breathing in)
Take away the disgrace I dread,
(breathing out)
for your laws are good.
(breathing in)
How I long for your precepts!
(breathing out)
In your righteousness, preserve my life.
Almighty God, Heavenly Father, we thank you for the transforming power of your word. May it bring us guidance throughout the day by the power of your Holy Spirit. Help us live in the rhythms of your grace as we go about our tasks today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Stephen Abraham is a retired Lutheran pastor and musician who served as a school pastor and church planter in Mawson Lakes, South Australia. Stephen retired early due to a spinal injury, leaving him largely housebound with chronic pain (documented by Lutheran Media on its Messages of Hope YouTube channel and radio program). As his condition allows, Stephen still preaches, takes chapel and serves his local church and school. He also writes and records personal songs, worship songs and Christian meditations, which he shares on his YouTube channel (youtube.com/StephenAbrahamMusic).
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