Weekly Breath Prayers: July 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, July 5, 2026

“We pray fiercely for those who choose to serve."

"Thank you for your service." ...A sentence often said here in the United States

but how sincerely is it offered? The same sentence offered with deep gratitude

can sound completely different..."Thank YOU for YOUR service! We are so

grateful for all you do!" We as Methodists need to exude love and gratitude to all

as a means to testify in our Father's name.

Pastor Kenneth challenged us last Sunday to do more than attend - to take on

service as well. But even if you think you don't have the ability to serve, you

ALWAYS have the ability to pray...and to pray fiercely for those that do! Perhaps

even challenging yourself to raise up this breath prayer at least 5 times every day

this week! It may open your eyes to those serving around you!

When we pause, think of those who truly give of themselves and then pray for

them, it opens our heart even wider as well. Do you purposely go out to greet

your mailman or delivery person? Pause and look your server in the eye during a

meal and ask them how they are doing? Thank a receptionist as you wait for an

appointment? Add "I appreciate you and what you do" to the end of a thank

you...we have to be the initiators of kindness and gratitude.

Sunday, July 12, 2026

“Lord, we desire to be witnesses for you!"

Most of us don't struggle to talk about the things we love. We recommend

restaurants, celebrate our favorite teams, and share exciting news with friends.

Yet when it comes to talking about Jesus, we often hesitate. We worry we'll say

the wrong thing, offend someone, or simply not know what to say. So today, let's

begin with prayer.

Our world is longing for hope. People are searching for purpose, belonging, and

good news that can actually change their lives. God has entrusted us with that

Good News—not to keep it to ourselves, but to share it with gentleness,

authenticity, and love. Sometimes the greatest witness isn't a sermon; it's a

conversation, an invitation, or a story of what Jesus has done in your life.

As you go into this week, don't worry about having all the answers. Simply ask

God for the courage to take the next faithful step. Be attentive to the people God

places in your path. Take a deep breath, pray this simple prayer, and trust the

Holy Spirit to do what only the Holy Spirit can do.