The Breath of the Divine Within Us

When we speak about the Divine, we speak about the breath of the Divine, breathing in us.  The Greek word for “spirit” is pneuma, which means “breath.”  We are seldom aware of our breathing.  It is so essential for life that we only think about it when something is wrong with it.

The Spirit of the Divine is like our breath.  The Divine’s spirit is more intimate to us than we are to ourselves.  We might not often be aware of it, but without it we cannot live a “spiritual life.”   It is the Divine who prays in us, who offers us the gifts of love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, peace, and joy.  

Taken from Henri Nouwen Daily