Invocation of Wind

A poem and prayer.

Breath,
Wind,
Spirit,
Pneuma,

Inhaling deeply, slowly,
We invite you into us.
Fill our lungs, our hearts, our minds.
Exhaling fully, intentionally,
Make us witnesses of your obvious grace.

You never cease to move
Within all living things,
Never stop calling to us
From within the waiting stillness.

Make us instruments,
Of grace and peace, yes,
But also melody and harmony,
Constantly filled by, emptied of
Your circular breaths,
Sounding eternal chords,
Blowing your echoing winds
Into even the smallest cracks of our hearts.

The beautiful songs
Of our neighbors, our enemies,
The bowls of incense
Poured out at the feet of your throne,
We applaud them with our fingers crossed,
Sing choruses with rolling eyes.
Jealousy, contempt, and dismissal
Have displaced your quiet command:
Let the little children come to me.

We name our sin,
Claim it, own it,
Hold it out to you.
Take it from us.
Have mercy on us and forgive us,
That we may delight in your song
And feel the stirring of your wind.

Breath,
Wind,
Spirit,
Pneuma,
Be known to us,
Even as we are known.

Amen