Many years ago I attended a religious education class. That’s grown up speak for “Sunday School.” Our priest, Ken, opened each session by inviting us to close our eyes and breathe deeply as he said, “Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me.” Some time later in the class I learned that the soothing line came from a hymn. Since the time with Ken I’ve always found that closing my eyes, breathing deeply and repeating the chorus of the hymn has a calming effect. Whenever I have utilized the practice it has helped me to be mindful of the presence of God.
Some years later when I attended theology school my favorite professor, John H. Hayes, talked about ruah, a Hebrew word for the breath of God. The concept reminded me of the hymn, “Spirit of the Living God.” Hayes likened ruah to the air we breathe. He went on to further suggest the notion that the very air we breathe fills us with the spirit of God.
Recently, I finished a strong run on one of the many beautiful afternoons we have had. Afterwards, I walked back to my classroom dripping in sweat. A cooling breeze blew. It refreshed me. I opened my arms, mind and mouth and breathed deeply the ruah of God.
What a feeling! The best part of running is being outside.
Tom
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