Resources to Provide a Breath of Fresh Air

Breathing. It’s something that we don’t really pay any attention to until we have trouble doing it. Then, what was an unconscious, background activity forces its way to the forefront of our experience, demanding that it be prioritized. In the scriptures, the words translated as “breath” are the same words for “Spirit.” When we fail to allow the Spirit of God to flow freely through our lives, it can bring about a sense of unbalance and unease. We may notice that fear and worry creep in unexpectedly or that anger and disgust simmer just below the surface. Throughout 2022, we want to encourage the members of First Baptist Church to focus on the theme: “Inspire.” That is, to “breathe in” and be filled with the Spirit of God. We’ve put together these resources to help you engage with that theme throughout the year. You may want to use one of the Bible studies or books in your Sunday school class or small group. Consider using the art for personal meditation. Gather friends for dinner and a movie where you discuss the idea of the Spirit in relation to one of the films listed. Take the musical playlist along to accompany your daily activities. Whatever way you find to use these resources, our hope is that you take time to inspire (“breathe in”) and be filled with the peace and goodness of God. May it give you new life and inspire you for the journey ahead. — Steven Norris, Senior Pastor  

Fruit of the Spirit: 48 Bible Studies for Individuals and Groups, by Le Peak, Kuhatschek, Eyre, Eyre, and Scazzero

Discern what the Bible says about the vital traits that the Holy Spirit produces in believers, and move beyond reflection to application. 

Understanding Spiritual Gifts, by Mary Lou Redding

Grounding our spiritual growth in the sacred story develops an intimate knowledge of the God who desires relationship with us.

Homegrown: Cultivating Kids in the Fruit of the Spirit, by Josh and Christi Straub

Discover the fruit of the Spirit in the context of your parenting, learn how to cultivate growth in your children, and explore practical ways to live out the fruit of the Spirit together.

Study of Luke’s Gospel

This gospel provides an account of the life and ministry of Jesus and places an emphasis on the Holy Spirit.

 

A Community of Grace, by Steven Norris (2022).

We believe that grace calls us to a concrete way of living in community with one another –
one centered on welcome, worship, discipleship, service, and generosity. As we explore the implications of these commitments, we hope this book assists us as we move in harmony to the rhythms of God’s grace. 

Breath Prayer: An Ancient Practice for the Everyday Sacred, by Christine Valters Painter (2021).

The spiritual practice of breath- prayer incorporates beautiful poem-prayers for walking, working, resting, cleaning, sitting in silence, doing dishes, living in community—breathing the divine into our daily lives.

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit, by Francis
Chan (2009).

We pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, but how often do we live with an awareness of only the first two? Sadly, most believers and churches are known for talent or intellect rather than supernatural power. What’s worse is that we’re okay with it. It’s time for the beloved church of Jesus Christ to reverse the trend of neglect. Let’s pursue the Spirit-filled life of effectiveness God desires and we desire.

The Age of the Spirit, by Phyllis Tickle (2014).

Following the Great Schism that split the Eastern and Western church over a thousand years ago, the debate over the Holy Spirit’s role in the lives of believers has been debated intensely. Learn more about the resurgence of curiosity about the Holy Spirit in the contemporary church.

Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit, by Christopher J. H. Wright Paul (2017).

Paul shows us a truly Christian way to live our lives: walk by the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, live by the Spirit, and keep in step with the Spirit.

Fresh Air: The Holy Spirit for An Inspired Life, by Jack Levison (2012).

In the Bible, the Holy Spirit staggers us with its unexpectedness. Find the presence of the Holy Spirit where you least expect it – in human breathing, in social transformation, in community, in hostile situations, and in serious learning.

Poetry

“Having Read the Holy Spirit’s Wikipedia” by Bruce Beasley, in Theophobia (2012).

A spiritual meditation, this poem calls to mind the works of poets like John Donne, George Herbert, Emily Dickinson, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and T.S. Eliot. Beasley reflects here on the Holy Trinity and specifically the role of the Holy Spirit.

Return of the Prodigal, by Rembrandt. 

Other Works

The Prodigal Trilogy, by Steve Prince

  • The Prodigal Son Appetite: Haloo
  • The Prodigal Son Journey: Exit Wounds
  • The Prodigal Son Return: Your Past May Be Stained But Your Future’s Untouched

The Prodigal Son Story—Which Character Are You?There’s a Blog in My Eye. 

“What is the Holy Spirit’s Role in Art? Sara Groves and W. David O. Taylor Discuss Spirituality and the Creative Process.” Christianity Today, August 13, 2020.

Neo Bustard: Making Good. Cursive Films 

Hallstrom, Lasse, dir. Chocolat. Miramax, David Brown Productions, Fat Free, 2001.

Ross, Gary, dir. Pleasantville. New Line Cinema, Larger Than Life Productions, 1998.

“Holy Spirit,” The Bible Project. If you are interested in more conversation from the makers of this film, see the blog, “Holy Spirit Series” (The Bible Project).

Redford, Robert, dir. The Legend of Bagger Vance. Twentieth Century Fox, Dreamworks Pictures, Epsilon Motion Pictures, 2000.

Listen to our Spotify playlist at: https://spoti.fi/3sn2An6

Aylesbury “Breathe on Me Breath of God” by St. Chad’s Cathedral Choir
“Breathe” by Influence Music
“Breathe” by Maverick City Music
“Breathe on Me Breath of God” by CXVI
“Breathe on Me Breath of God” by TRENTHAM
“Catching Fireflies” by The Soul’s Release
Classical Music of Claude Debussy
“Holy Spirit” by Bryan and Katie Torwalt, Kari Jobe
“Holy Spirit” by Hannah McClure
Holy Spirit Fiyah” by Urbana 15
“Holy Spirit, Hear Our Prayer” by Eden Symphony Orchestra
“Hymn of the Holy Spirit” by Pat Barrett
“Meditations,” Vol. 2, by Salt of the Sound
“Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong
Piano Classical Music of Franz Liszt
“Same Spirit” by Evan Craft
“Spirit Fall” by Chris Tomlin, Kristian Stanfil
“Spirit of the Living God” (Hymn)
“Sweet Sweet Spirit” (Hymn)
“This is the Air I Breathe” by Hillsong
“Where the Spirit of the Lord Is” by Christine D’Clario

VOCES8: Music for Meditation and Prayer