Pentecost: A Breathing Space

Fire
What makes a fire burn
is space between the logs,
a breathing space.
Too much of a good thing,
too many logs
packed in too tight
can douse the flames
almost as surely
as a pail of water would.

So building fires
requires attention
to the spaces in between,
as much as to the wood.

When we are able to build
open spaces
in the same way
we have learned
to pile on the logs,
then we can come to see how
it is fuel, and absence of the fuel
together, that make fire possible.

We only need to lay a log
lightly from time to time.
A fire
grows
simply because the space is there,
with openings
in which the flame
that knows just how it wants to burn
can find its way.

~ Judy Brown ~

  • Light a candle to remember Christ’s presence with you.
  • Sit five to fifteen minutes in silent meditation paying close attention to the deep breath.
  • Allow the warmth of the sun to shine upon your face.  
  • As you embrace the warmth, allow it to move through your body.
  • As you remember Pentecost today, allow the warmth to become the fire of the Holy Spirit.
  • The fire needs space to grow.
  • Where do you need to make space for the fire to blaze?
  • What needs to be moved?  What needs to be kindled?  What needs to be opened?
  • Or do you need more logs?
  • Consider how the Spirit is moving and growing in you.
  • How do you respond?
  • Consider again your breath. 
  •  How does the breath of God create breathing space within you?
  • How does the breath of God create breathing space in creation?
  • How does the breath of God create breathing space in the world?
  • What is God’s message for you?
  • Is there a call to action?
  • Give thanks to God for this time in prayer and for any new insights you have received. Share as you feel led in the reply box below.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, May 27, 2012, the Day of Pentecost Year B

Acts 2:1-21
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 104:24-34,35b
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15

If you use these prayers in other groups, please give credit to author. Permission to use in not-for-profit settings The Rev. Lil Smith, M.Div., DASD.


What is God's invitation for you today?Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.