Please do not reply to this email.
To respond to the devotional, please email
the Rev. Gill Keyworth at gkeyworth@stmartinsepiscopal.org.
Centering on Jesus

Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.
Genesis 2:7

God is the Creator who gave us breath. As we consider the God who gave us breath, we may find meditation–focusing particularly on our breathing–helpful. Willie Nelson in his book, "The Tao of Willie," says, “Breathing is its own form of meditation. Breathing can calm you and put you in touch with your own spirit.” And as we come in touch with ourselves, we can ask God, perhaps using a centering word like ‘Jesus,’ to reveal a new understanding of who He is.

How do you see Jesus today?

Every one of us has different pictures or images of Jesus and how He moves in our lives. And our understanding will change from day to day according to circumstances of our lives and as our faith deepens.

  • Many of us know Jesus as our friend. Jesus is someone with whom we can spend time, with whom we can share our problems and struggles, and who will help us in our time of need. Just as a real friend is always there for us—so is Jesus.
  • Or, perhaps today, the image you need is that of Jesus as your Good Shepherd, gently guiding you, watching out for you and keeping you safe. Do you ask for guiding help in your prayers?
  • Jesus is our Savior, our rescuer. That can take on a new relevance when we discover new sin in our lives needing forgiveness, or when we are facing hurts or brokenness we’ve experienced from others.
  • Jesus: Prince of Peace. The Hebrew for peace is “shalom.” Shalom refers to wholeness and reconciliation. Perhaps Jesus as the divine reconciler and mediator of peace is what you need today to bring peace within your heart.

Not only did God give us our own breath, but Jesus is also the breath of life. When Jesus breathes His Spirit into His people, He gives them new life. Whatever your view of Jesus today, however God speaks to you as you focus and meditate on Him and His creative goodness, may you know His presence with and delight in you.
The Rev. Gill B. Keyworth
Deacon, Pastoral Associate
If you know someone who would like to receive our daily devotions, please forward your copy to a friend.