Embracing Daily Gratitude: A Breath of Life
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound significance of gratitude, particularly as we enter the Thanksgiving season. We began with a personal story about a life-saving moment at a Renaissance Fair, which served as a vivid illustration of the preciousness of life and the breath that sustains it. This story set the stage for a deeper exploration of gratitude, not as a new concept, but as a timeless practice deeply rooted in scripture and tradition.
We delved into the Jewish tradition of reciting blessings, or "berachot," which are expressions of gratitude for everyday occurrences. These blessings remind us of the importance of acknowledging God's gifts in our lives, from the food we eat to the very breath in our lungs. This practice is not just about being thankful for the big things, but also for the small, often overlooked aspects of life.
The sermon highlighted the creation story in Genesis, where God breathes life into humanity, emphasizing the personal and intentional nature of our existence. This divine breath is not a one-time event but a continuous gift that sustains us daily. We are encouraged to see each breath as an opportunity to express gratitude to God, transforming even the simplest acts into moments of divine connection.
We also explored the practice of the Jesus Prayer in Eastern Orthodoxy, which ties breathing to prayer, serving as a reminder of our dependence on God's grace and mercy. This practice, like the story of Phil in "Groundhog Day," teaches us to appreciate the small joys and kindnesses in life, shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have.
In conclusion, we are challenged to embrace gratitude as a daily practice, recognizing that even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for. By doing so, we can transform our perspective, becoming more present and intentional in our everyday experiences.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of a life-saving moment at a Renaissance Fair illustrates the preciousness of life and the breath that sustains it. This serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude for the simple gift of life itself. [06:27]
- The Jewish tradition of reciting blessings, or "berachot," teaches us to express gratitude for everyday occurrences, from the food we eat to the breath in our lungs. This practice encourages us to acknowledge God's gifts in all aspects of life. [12:10]
- The creation story in Genesis highlights the personal and intentional nature of our existence, as God breathes life into humanity. This divine breath is a continuous gift that sustains us daily, inviting us to express gratitude with each breath. [15:48]
- The Jesus Prayer in Eastern Orthodoxy ties breathing to prayer, reminding us of our dependence on God's grace and mercy. This practice encourages us to appreciate the small joys and kindnesses in life, shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have. [23:43]
- Embracing gratitude as a daily practice can transform our perspective, helping us become more present and intentional in our everyday experiences. Even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for, and recognizing this can bring peace and contentment. [26:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:37] - A Life-Saving Moment
[06:27] - The Preciousness of Breath
[09:34] - Introducing the Gratitude Challenge
[10:42] - Opening Prayer
[12:10] - Jewish Tradition of Blessings
[14:39] - The Creation Story in Genesis
[15:48] - The Divine Breath of Life
[18:53] - The Gift of Every Breath
[20:35] - Transforming Perspective Through Gratitude
[22:11] - The Jesus Prayer and Breathing
[23:43] - Spiritual Experience in Breathing
[25:15] - Lessons from Groundhog Day
[26:30] - Embracing Gratitude in Difficult Times
[27:55] - Practicing Gratitude in Worship
[28:58] - Closing and Invitation to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing Gratitude
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:5-7
2. Job 27:3
3. Acts 17:25
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 2:5-7 reveal about the way God created humanity compared to the rest of creation? How does this relate to the concept of divine breath? [14:39]
2. How does the Jewish tradition of reciting blessings, or "berachot," encourage gratitude for everyday occurrences? [12:10]
3. What is the significance of the Jesus Prayer in Eastern Orthodoxy, and how does it connect breathing to prayer? [23:43]
4. How did the pastor's personal story at the Renaissance Fair illustrate the preciousness of life and the importance of gratitude? [06:27]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Genesis 2:5-7, what does the act of God breathing life into humanity suggest about our relationship with Him and the intentionality of our existence? [15:48]
2. How might the practice of reciting "berachot" influence a person's daily perspective and relationship with God? [12:10]
3. What lessons can be drawn from the Jesus Prayer about the importance of recognizing our dependence on God's grace and mercy? [23:43]
4. How does the pastor's story about his brother's choking incident serve as a metaphor for recognizing the value of each breath and the gift of life? [06:27]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent moment when you felt overwhelmed or stressed. How might practicing gratitude in that moment have changed your perspective? [26:30]
2. Consider the Jewish tradition of "berachot." What is one small, everyday occurrence for which you can start expressing gratitude regularly? [12:10]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of the Jesus Prayer or a similar meditative practice into your daily routine to remind yourself of God's presence? [23:43]
4. Think about a time when you took something as simple as breathing for granted. How can you remind yourself of the significance of each breath in your daily life? [18:53]
5. Identify a situation in your life where you tend to focus on what you lack. How can you shift your focus to appreciate what you have? [25:15]
6. How can you make gratitude a daily practice, even during difficult times, to transform your perspective and become more present in your experiences? [26:30]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to express gratitude to someone in your life, and how might this impact your relationship with them? [20:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Preciousness of Life and Breath
Life is a fragile and precious gift, often taken for granted until a moment of crisis brings its value into sharp focus. The story of a life-saving moment at a Renaissance Fair serves as a vivid reminder of the importance of gratitude for the simple gift of life itself. Each breath we take is a testament to the miracle of our existence, a continuous gift that sustains us daily. Recognizing the preciousness of life encourages us to live with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for every moment, no matter how mundane it may seem. [06:27]
"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." (Job 33:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent moment when you felt truly alive. How can you cultivate a daily practice of gratitude for the simple gift of life and breath?
Day 2: Gratitude in Everyday Occurrences
The Jewish tradition of reciting blessings, or "berachot," teaches us to express gratitude for everyday occurrences, from the food we eat to the breath in our lungs. This practice encourages us to acknowledge God's gifts in all aspects of life, not just the significant or extraordinary ones. By cultivating a habit of gratitude for the small, often overlooked aspects of life, we can develop a deeper awareness of God's presence and provision in our daily experiences. This practice invites us to see the divine in the ordinary, transforming our perspective and enriching our spiritual lives. [12:10]
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify three ordinary things you often overlook but are grateful for today. How can you incorporate a practice of gratitude for these into your daily routine?
Day 3: The Divine Breath of Life
The creation story in Genesis highlights the personal and intentional nature of our existence, as God breathes life into humanity. This divine breath is not a one-time event but a continuous gift that sustains us daily. Each breath we take is an opportunity to express gratitude to God, transforming even the simplest acts into moments of divine connection. By recognizing the divine breath within us, we are reminded of our inherent worth and the intentionality behind our creation, encouraging us to live with purpose and gratitude. [15:48]
"The Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." (Genesis 2:7, ESV)
Reflection: As you breathe today, take a moment to thank God for the gift of life. How does acknowledging the divine breath within you change your perspective on your daily activities?
Day 4: Breathing and Prayer
The Jesus Prayer in Eastern Orthodoxy ties breathing to prayer, serving as a reminder of our dependence on God's grace and mercy. This practice encourages us to appreciate the small joys and kindnesses in life, shifting our focus from what we lack to what we have. By integrating prayer with our breathing, we can cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness and connection to God, allowing gratitude to permeate our daily lives. This practice invites us to live with a sense of mindfulness and intentionality, recognizing the divine presence in every moment. [23:43]
"Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: As you go about your day, try to synchronize your breathing with a simple prayer of gratitude. How does this practice affect your awareness of God's presence in your life?
Day 5: Embracing Gratitude in Difficult Times
Embracing gratitude as a daily practice can transform our perspective, helping us become more present and intentional in our everyday experiences. Even in difficult times, there is always something to be thankful for, and recognizing this can bring peace and contentment. By focusing on gratitude, we can shift our perspective from what we lack to what we have, fostering a sense of hope and resilience in the face of challenges. This practice encourages us to find joy and meaning in the midst of adversity, reminding us of the abundance of God's blessings in our lives. [26:30]
"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Romans 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. What is one thing you can be grateful for in this situation, and how can this perspective help you navigate through it?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes with timestamps:
"Not being able to breathe. If you've ever been in a spot where you couldn't breathe, whether that's getting the air knocked out of you or having an allergic reaction or choking on a turkey leg at the Ren Faire, you know that not being able to breathe is one of the scariest things in the entire world. Because this thing that we call breathing, it's vital for our survival, right?" [00:06:37] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And adversely, when you can finally breathe again, right? When the cause of our breathlessness is finally fixed, there's this special kind of relief that comes that's so hard to describe, right? This relief that feels like we've been quite literally saved, right? Rescued or delivered from the hands of death itself. And with it, there's this weird like wash of peace. It's almost relaxing that after fighting and struggling for your very life, finally breathe again." [00:07:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Throughout the rest of the creation story, we're told that God, when he created everything we see, everything we experience, the galaxies, the universe itself, when he created these things, we're told that he what? He spoke them into existence. With nothing but his words, he spoke all of creation to be." [00:14:56] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because in this creation moment, we see that at this moment, to me at least, is more personal and more intentional than the rest of creation. The imagery here, is of this like divine artist, right? Kneeling down in the dirt, shaping us with his own hands. But not only that, instead of speaking, us into existence. He breathes us into existence." [00:15:30] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And it shows that we as humans, we're not just an accident. We're not just a happenstance, but we're not just another piece of the universe, but that we are this unique reflection of our God." [00:16:35] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And to prove it, let's look at, let's look at the book of Job chapter 27. As he's talking to his friends after losing quite literally everything, he says, as long as breath is in me, the spirit of life is in me. And to prove it, let's look at, let's look at the in my nostrils. In today's terms, we might say as long as I'm still breathing, right?" [00:17:25] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"So, what this means, church, is that practically speaking, every moment of every day, even down to these little moments that we think are so insignificant, every moment is an opportunity to be grateful for the gifts that God has given us. Whether it's your job, whether it's school, whether it's your life, your family, your friends, even your very life." [00:21:39] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And in one particular prayer, they name it the Jesus Prayer. The words to the prayer are very simple, and it comes in two parts of one sentence. The first part is, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God. And that second part is, have mercy on me, a sinner." [00:22:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And this practice to them is beautiful because it's like this beautiful reflection of life, that just how we need each breath to survive, we also need God's grace and mercy to help us through this thing called life. It gives them peace, it gives them encouragement, and it helps them appreciate, again, even the simple act of breathing." [00:23:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Because the fact is, is even if you have breath in your lungs, that is a gift from God. One of my favorite songs in the entire world is one called Beggars by the band called Thrice. And that's the whole shtick of the song is all of us are born in the same circumstances." [00:27:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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