Here I Am, Lord
Barb Kernohan of Richmond, Ontario, Canada
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 to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” -John 20:21-22
After reading the Mission Prayer and watching the snow being blown on a Sunday morning in November 2017, I felt led by the Spirit to worship with my neighbors. I attended one of the local churches in my small town. As the service drew to a close, the minister changed the final hymn.
As we sang “Here I am, Lord,” I was reminded of a time I was with my congregation in Ottawa. It was the first Sunday of the new year, and I came seeking peace, forgiveness, and hope. A few weeks prior we had had our business meeting which left me with a heavy heart.
Even after taking Communion, my heart was restless, and peace did not come. The service was coming to a close and I felt sad; I felt helpless. Then we sang “Here I am, Lord.” As we sang, I was reminded of when I first sang the hymn many years ago as I rededicated my life to Christ at a leadership conference in Independence, Missouri. Tears welled up in my eyes and poured down my cheeks as we sang in the Temple that day.
Once we finished singing, my grandson came up the stairs as Sunday school was over, and his booming voice called out, “Grandma, I love you.” I knew then that God was with me and we would get through this together.
God, where will your Spirit lead today?
Help me be fully awake and ready to respond.
Grant me the courage to risk something new
and become a blessing of your love and peace.
Amen.
Prayer Phrase
“Every breath is a resurrection” (Gregory Orr).
Spiritual Practice
Breath of Life
Take a few moments right now to breathe. Simply observe each inhale and exhale. Pay attention to how it feels in your body. Notice the rise and fall of your chest. Notice how you breathe even when you aren’t thinking about it, how your body instinctively knows how to keep you alive without your thought or effort. In this moment, you are alive. Receive this awareness as an expression of divine grace. In joy or despair, loss or celebration, your body continues breathing. How is your breath a resurrection this day?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
