Shalom

So one of the three books I'm reading right now is called Sacred Rhythms. In it, the author introduces the idea of a breath prayer. You find it in the practice of silent prayer, where you allow the presence of God to invade your space and let your own soul respond to His presence with your deepest desires. The breath prayer is a word or phrase that comes to mind that you can pray in their rhythm of your own breathing. Sounded intriguing. I tried it out yesterday, and the first thing that came to light in that space between God and me was my desire for peace. Specifically for shalom.

The Hebrew word shalom isn't just about experiencing an external quiet or a mere cessation of activity. The verb shalom means to be complete, perfect, full, whole, restful, existing in an absence of discord. It also describes the ministry of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. So I was surprised that my soul would be so specific with it's request. It wasn't too concerned with the fact that one of my clients hasn't paid me two months after the work was finished, or with my desire to lose weight. It's craving wholeness, completion, fullness. Peace. Shalom.

Wow.