Most of us are prone to make one of two mistakes: either we shrink back from challenges or we take on too much in our own strength. The key to life is to take courage from Jesus with us so that we can persevere in difficulties and serve God in all we do.
A favorite expression in the Bible of God with us to help us, guide us, and empower us is the hand of heaven reaching down to us. Sixty-four times in the Psalms alone the hand of the Lord is there for the Psalmist. Throughout the Bible, the hand of God shows up in just the way that we and those around us need it.
God’s Mighty Hand of Grace
Peter learned how to rely upon and act with the hand of God. He wrote: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-8).
The hand of the Lord reaching out to us is a hand of grace and power! It’s the hand we need — always. If only we will humble ourselves to see our need for God’s hand then as we do what we’re doing we’ll watch for his hand to move and join him in what he’s doing.
To take courage and follow Jesus wherever he leads is the secret of success in any endeavor. It’s also the secret of being free from anxiety. Did you notice that? Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” We often quote that verse without putting it in the context of humbling ourselves under the Lord’s mighty hand. There is no peace without humble submission to the Lord.
A Little Prayer to Take Courage
I want to share with you a prayer I wrote inspired by Psalm 18:35. It only has eight words, but it took me a couple of years to write! Really. It takes time in prayer and meditation on Scripture to express deep spiritual truths in a few words that can be prayed in a rhythm that promotes our spiritual formation in Christ. This is how I develop Breath Prayers from the Bible.
This prayer has been a great blessing to me! I’m excited to share it with a group I’m leading on retreat next Saturday. And now I get to share it with you! This prayer will help you to step out in faith with Jesus. It’ll help you to walk hand-in-hand with him. It’ll help you to take courage. It’ll help you to remain in his peace: “With Jesus I can… Looking to his hand.”
You might try this as a Breath Prayer:
- Breathe in your appreciation that Jesus is with you, giving you courage and peace as you pray, “With Jesus I can…”
- Then breathe out, reminding yourself let go of self-sufficient striving or fear as you pray, “Looking to his hand.”
More Breath Prayers
To pray a short verse or paraphrase of Scripture as a Breath Prayer is refreshing and empowering. It helps you learn to practice God’s presence all day and stay in tune with the peace of Christ. I’ve selected key verses of Scripture and developed step-by-step instructions for meditation, breathing rhythms, and prayer in “Breath Prayer Guides.”
