It's Like Breathing

We’ve been trained to think the spiritual life is about effort, discipline, and control.But what if it’s more like breathing?Something given, not earned. Received, not achieved.This episode explores what it means to live from that kind of life.Spiritual Practice: Receiving the Breath of ChristRead the passage slowly. First out loud. Then quietly. Sit with it.When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”—John 20:19–23Imagine yourself sitting behind the locked door in fear.What fear are you carrying?Hear Jesus say, “Peace be with you.” Sit with that. Repeat peace silently, gently, and slowly.Now imagine his breath upon you.Where are you being sent?To what situation in your life?To what need of the world do you feel drawn?End with a simple prayer:Lord Jesus, you come close, breathe your life into me, and send me. Help me to receive what you give and to carry it into the lives around me. Amen. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jakeowensby.substack.com/subscribe