“Go” is my word for 2021 and for such a short, simple word I have been amazed how it has weaved its meaning into my life this year. For some earlier examples, you can reread these blog posts here and here.
This past week “Go” tickled my imagination during my practice of breath prayer. A breath prayer is a very short prayer that can be said in one breath and repeated throughout the day. It is an ancient form of prayer, found in writings as early as the second century. The prayer communicates a sense of nearness with trust and dependency on God.
Perhaps the best-known breath prayer is called the Jesus Prayer. “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”
That morning I inhaled “Let” and exhaled “Go” as I relaxed into God’s arm and surrender the many attachments coming between us. I loosened my grip on concerns and future non-existent anxieties.
“Let go.”
“Let go.”
Then I noticed a whispered change, “Let’s go.” “Let’s go.”
A simple apostrophe and the letter “s” dramatically changed the meaning and even the energy in my prayer.
I sensed God inviting me to follow him. To delight in his presence. To be with him in all the nooks and crannies of the day. Accompany God into adventures, not bogged down with anxiety.
God’s “Let’s go” rang with playfulness, joy, and grace.
Both prayers felt right during their time. The evolution of the phrase reminded me to let go and let God be the word. Too often I try to direct God (like I could do that, duh!) instead of letting go of my ego and melting into his presence.
God’s gifts continue to surprise me. I received two gifts – letting go of anxiety and let’s go onto an amazing adventure.
How has God surprised you lately?
I love how you followed the Holy Spirit’s prompting!
God is good!!
Who’d of guessed that 2 letters could make such a difference!
Your Word rings true, Jean.
Amazing to quietly listen in prayer and get such insight.
Jean, I’m so glad that your link was in front of mine on Lisa’s link-up today! I LOVE everything about your post and I have been super blessed by it! Thank you so much for sharing! New subscriber here! Abundant blessings to you! 🙂
so glad we connected too!
Reading this was perfect timing for me! My word is focus, and this month God has been saying to open my heart-Let Go of fear and doubt and trust Him with the deep places. Including in this letting go was a call to go. So your Let go – Let’s go was a confirmation of what He was speaking to me. Thanks. I also loved the concept of a breath prayer. I will be putting that into practice.
focus is a great word and glad my experience with my word helped you!
This is two gifts, Jean. To let go of all the weights, cares and burdens of the world. And let’s go forward with His yoke, in His rest, and in His Spirit’s power. Awesome!
yes yes two gifts. I love that your phrased it that way
Thank you so much for sharing what you have regarding the noted word. I was told many year’s ago – 40 + – to “Let go and let God.” I’ve not done as well with it as I would like, but your reflection gives me that focus again! It is, for me, the “hardest spiritual practice.” But, I find encouragement in your comment, “…we can do hard with God’s help.” Again, thank you!
It is a hard practice but give yourself grace. God does! LOL. Yes we can do the hard things.
I can feel the excitement you must have experienced as that apostrophe was added and the meaning changed. Love the idea of leaving our quiet time places with a sense of anticipation (and playfulness, joy, and grace) for what God has in store for us that day. Thank you, Jean!
It really was a good moment and amazed me to witness how God can change us even with such a little mark!
Indeed–sometimes his miracles come in SMALL packages!
Seems like it gets harder.and harder to go….im glad Jesus just likes to sit with us….and if He wants us to go..He can drive and we can just sit in the passenger seat….
I think letting go is one of the hardest spiritual practices but we can do hard with God’s help.
What a delightful discovery you made with that apostrophe, Jean! I love this so much! Who knew that “go” was going to be so rich in so many ways? (Well, God knew. :))
Yes yes that word has been powerful this year and I think over times one of the best words of the year I have ever experienced in weaving into my entire year.
I love how often I see “Go” this year and think of you! 🙂 I love when God weaves a word so intimately into our experiences. I’ve had some words that clicked year-round and other words that I barely remember. This has been a helpful year for me too with my word Uncertainty (albeit painful as well, ha).
I love this, Jean! Let go and Let’s go – two different meanings, but the second certainly encompasses the first. When we let go and let God, then we are absolutely open to His invitation to journey with Him. Blessings!
It was a Holy Spirit moment for sure!