Breath of Life
Stilling
Let me trust your presence in the silence
Let me not be distracted by the clamour of every thought
But let my heart be still, my mind unlearned,
My face unmasked.
Empty me of all I think I can offer.
Let me not be afraid of all I know I cannot be.
Let me trust that I am enough
That just to be here is enough
Just as I am
And to trust that you look on me with eyes that see
With eyes that love.
Silence
Prayer
Breathe on me, breath of God;
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what thou dost love,
And do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Till I am wholly thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God;
So shall I never die,
But live with thee the perfect life
Of thine eternity. Edwin Hatch (1835-1889)
Bible reading (read twice slowly)
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33; 4
May I recognise your loving hand as the events of today have unfurled.
May I be aware of you in the unlooked-for moments with another
May I worship in the magic cathedral of the bluebell wood
May my spirit soar with the song of willow-warbler and chiff-chaff.
May my body feel alive with love as your Spirit resides in me
May I trust your compassion in the struggles that I find around me.
May I trust your compassion in the struggles that I find within me, for though you cannot hold my body with your body, you hold my life in yours.
Earth me securely in your love, this day.
Silence
Prayer
Spirit of God,
Your kindly gusts have blown over me this day.
As my movement dies down in the stillness of this night,
May I feel your care nearer to me than my own breath,
For I am known more to you than I know myself,
Loved more than even the dearest love that I have received.
Protect all who need your silent care this night
Spirit of God, assure us of your presence
As we lie down in your peace,
And rise in your company in the morning.
Blessing
May the breath of God be near me
May the Spirit of God encircle me
May the love of God breathe through me
May the deep peace of God enfold me as I lie down this night.