God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

I must admit that I’m not very good at accepting gifts from others. In the stillness of my heart I often feel that I don’t deserve it. Some people feel obligated to give a gift in return. Then I hear the words, “Just accept it for what it is-a gift.”

Perhaps that is the challenge of the Gospel. It is an invitation to accept a gift for which we can give nothing in return. That gift is the life breath of God himself, the Spirit who is poured out on us through Jesus Christ. This life breath frees us from fear and gives us new room to live. I must admit that I have done more personal praying over this past year than ever before. It is in prayer that I personally find my Lord as a refuge and strength.

A man who prayerfully goes about his life is constantly ready to receive the breath of God, and to let his life be renewed and expanded. The man who never prays, on the contrary, is like the child with asthma; because he is short of breath, the whole world shrivels up before him. He creeps in a corner gasping for air, and is virtually in agony. But the man who prays opens himself to God and can freely breathe again. He stands upright, stretches out his hands and comes out of his corner, free to boldly stride through the world because he can move about without fear.

A man who prays is one who can once more breathe freely, who has the freedom to move where he wishes with no fears to haunt him.

As we approach the cross and empty tomb this season let us breathe freely the fresh air of the Gospel; forgiveness, life in Christ and salvation. Our Lord is ever present in all of our moments.

Let us go about our business in faith; not fear. Let us with His help be renewed in Word and Sacrament. Let us live in joy for who He is.

Lord, accept my thanks in this moment of prayer-my thanks for the many times prayer has been a lifeline for me, for the many times it has been the way you sent your power into my life to bear me up when I was falling. In Jesus’ name. Amen.