Weekly Breath Prayers: May 2026
Every Sunday, we begin our worship services with a simple breath prayer from Milford First's lay leader to guide us through the week. Below are this month’s breath prayers along with weekly reflections from Deb Johnson. We hope these prayers are meaningful tools for your spiritual life and journey!
Sunday, May 3, 2026
“You love us fully - teach us to receive it.”
With this week's breath prayer, we hope to go deeper in our love with the Lord and with others...by humbling ourselves. Showing deep gratitude for what we have been given requires us to humbly accept it. That is not always an easy task. To believe...to trust...that we are fully deserving of God's love showered upon us takes prayer! Especially on days we feel unworthy, we are still loved!
Accepting praise and thanks from others is not always comfortable. I believe there is always room to learn how to be more gracious. Especially for those of us that are used to giving to others when the roles are reversed, we often feel uncomfortable or unworthy. We pray that the Holy Three can teach us to openly accept the kind heart of another.
This week, join me in praying for deep acceptance, forgiveness of ourselves and our shortcomings. We pray to make a conscious choice to accept the love that comes our way this week with open arms.
Sunday, May 10, 2026
“Lord Jesus, you knelt - teach us to serve.”
There is something sweet about witnessing someone who stops, kneels down and ties a child's shoelaces. Or to observe a young person, pause, comeback and hold the door for someone approaching. Jesus knelt down and washed His disciples’ feet - what a humbling act of service. Service is not just a random act of kindness but a willingness to give of ourselves.
As we prayerfully consider our unique gifts, sit and listen to what our Father has to say. Where are you being called to service? Can you sit and recite this breath prayer long enough to listen? We all have so much to offer but also have so many excuses! Pray with me this week that we see past the reasons of "not now" and move to "wow, here I go!" Open your heart and humbly accept that God does have a plan for you.
With confidence, step out this week with eyes wide open to opportunities of service. When you feel yourself faltering - pray this breath prayer and reset your determination. Someone out there is waiting for you...go and serve.
Sunday, May 17, 2026
“You never leave nor forsake us, gracious God.”
In good times and in bad times, there is one constant...our Lord loves us unconditionally. What marvelous news is that for our often tender hearts! We can be shaken, unsure, joyous, reflective and not matter our status, He is right there beside us. He walks with us in celebration and in grief. What more could we ever hope for?
This week, our breath prayer is a reminder of that truth. By reciting it, we remind ourselves just how very fortunate we are. By whispering it in a prayer, we are given strength to keep going. By silently praying it, we are comforted and reminded that we never stand alone.
And there is one more piece to this prayer...gracious God. So gracious that we are expected to pour out our love and comfort to all we meet as well. He excludes no one...nor should we! Share this breath prayer with a friend or family member in times of support. Write it on a slip of paper and hand it to one who crosses your path. We are truly blessed.
Sunday, May 24, 2026
“God of hope, you are always working for our good.”
On this Sunday of Pentecost, our breath prayer is a reminder of Jesus' fulfillment to a promise He made to send the Holy Spirit to us and all His followers. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Trinity are always there for us...through the marvelous and the challenging times of our lives. Going forward, we can share the hope of this great news with all we meet!
While we may not always feel the joy of this significant day, this prayer can see us through! He IS our hope and we thank Him for working for us and in us. That attitude of gratitude and repeated prayer can be transformative for us. How reassuring to know that someone is always working for our good?
There are days when we are hesitant followers. Through simple prayer and willingness to believe in a power greater than ourselves, we can find that inner strength. When you see "red" this week, stop and lift this breath prayer...at every red light, stop sign and even the Target parking lot! It just might change your life!
Sunday, May 31, 2026
“Multiply our gifts, Lord, to serve those who need hope!”
There are people rebuilding homes, rebuilding routines, and rebuilding hope. In moments of loss and uncertainty, our team has the opportunity to become the hands and feet of Jesus—to remind others they are not forgotten and they do not stand alone.
God often works through ordinary people willing to say “yes.” Through listening ears, helping hands, shared meals, tired muscles, and simple acts of kindness, Christ's light shines into places that need hope.
So Holy Spirit, go before them and walk beside them. Protect them in their travels, strengthen them in their work, and use their presence to bring healing, encouragement, and hope.
Milford First, as we send them, we also remember that all of us are called and sent. Whether across the state line or across the street, may we all carry Christ into the world.
