Metaphors for God - Breath

For the past couple of weeks we have been exploring the question, “What is God like?”

This is a really big question! One way that we have been learning more about what God is like is looking at metaphors for God in the Bible. A metaphor can help us know what God is like by comparing God to things we understand well. First we thought about God as a shepherd taking care of their sheep, then God as Mother and Father. This week we are considering what we can learn about who God is by thinking about God as breath.

Bible Verses

There are a few places in the Bible where God or God’s spirit is described as breath or wind. You can read a couple of them here: Psalm 104:30, John 20:21-22.

Wondering Questions

I wonder what breath does for us?

I wonder what God wants to do for us?

I wonder what we can learn about God by thinking about breath?

Story

The following video will guide us through a prayer. As you listen to the reader, you can follow along and connect with God in this centering prayer. You might notice your breathing as you listen, or think about God as the breath inside you. Let’s pray together.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you God,

For the breath inside me that gives me life,

For nurturing me like a Mother, and protecting me like a father,

For watching over me as a shepherd lovingly watches their sheep.

Thank you for the amazing creation you made:

The earth, the creatures, and all the life around me!

Thank you for the people you created,

And for teaching me how to love all my neighbors.

Your love is so amazing.

Be near to me now, like the breath I breathe.

Amen.