breath

Restoring the Temple – Air, Breath of Life

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Is there anything like going out to the countryside and inhaling a lung-full of fresh clean air? You can feel the oxygen coursing through your blood and invigorating your body and mind. Breathing is something we take for granted, but we cannot go for long without oxygen. In 1976, French diver Jacques Mayol made the free diving record of 325 feet (99 meters), holding his breath for 3 minutes, 39 seconds. This was done only after years of training and is by far the exception of the limit of the human body, rather than the rule. Most people lose consciousness after only one or two minutes without oxygen and will die a few minutes later.

Every cell in your body requires a continuous supply of oxygen. Your respiratory and cardiovascular systems work in tandem to provide each cell with oxygen and eliminate excess carbon dioxide. The body was perfectly designed to perform this function, and failure by either system causes death. Through the normal process of quiet breathing we inhale about 500 ml (half a quart) of air. When we deep breathe, we can increase this amount by about 3100 ml (3+ quarts).1

Yet the air we breathe often contains far more than the elements we require for life. The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late eighteenth century, changed our air forever and not in a positive way. Not until the late twentieth century did governments start to regulate air pollution, which has helped reduce toxins in our atmosphere, but so far it has not been enough. In 1990, United States industry alone emitted more than 2.4 billion pounds of toxic pollutants into the air.2 What does this mean to our health? Fifty-thousand to one-hundred twenty thousand premature deaths in the United States have been related to exposure to air pollutants.3 Air pollution is not limited to the out-of-doors but also occurs indoors with exposure to paint fumes, housecleaning solvents, fumes from carpeting, etc.

What can you do to limit your exposure to pollutants and get as much life-giving pure air as possible? One major change that is highly encouraged is a move to the country, where air is often significantly cleaner and less saturated with toxins than city air. Where moving is not a possibility, individuals and families should retreat to the country as often as they can.

“Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country, to the side of a fine lake, or to a nice grove where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread their table under the shade of some tree or under the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy.” 4

Also important for air health is making sure you reduce the amount of chemicals used in your home and workshop and maintain adequate ventilation whenever chemicals are used. Open your home to the outside air whenever possible, especially in the bedroom when you sleep. Invest in a high-quality air purifier, and if the air is dry in your area, a humidifier would also be recommended.

Practice breathing exercises. In a relaxing environment, preferably in fresh outside air, take several breaths, inhaling as deeply as possible. Hold for a few seconds then slowly release. Think about your posture. Breathing power should come from your diaphragm and abdominal muscles. Poor posture contributes to less effective muscle contractions and the lungs cannot reach their optimum capacity.

Ever since the moment God breathed the breath of life into Adam’s nostrils, we have been dependent upon this substance. Oxygen-infused air is the most important element that sustains us. Medical workers are trained to observe the ABCs of rescue, which prioritize the steps of resuscitation. A for airway—make sure the individual has a clear passage with which to breathe. B for breathing—check their breathing and if absent start breathing for them. C for circulation—make sure their heart is beating, and if not, start compressions. As you can see, breathing is the number one priority in saving one’s life. Without this one thing, we will die quickly. Even the beatings of the heart cannot be sustained without near constant oxygen supply. This is an allegory to our spiritual life. As God breathed in Adam’s nostrils, which combined with the dust of the earth to become man’s soul, our relationship with our Creator became our highest priority for the sustenance of eternal life.

“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4.

  1. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, Gerard J. Tortora and Nicholas P. Anagnostakos, Harper and Row, New York, 1990, 707.
  2. Air Pollution and Respiratory Health, CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health, 1999.
  3. Ibid.
  4. The Adventist Home, E.G. White, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Hagerstown, Maryland, 1952, 501.

Health – Are You Breathing?

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One can live for many days without food and for several days without any liquid, but within a few minutes without air and you run out of life.

We do not stop to think very often about the first thing Adam did when the Lord breathed into his nostrils. Of course, he breathed! What a most wonderful thing. The first thing we do when we come bouncing into this world is to catch that first breath of air. God gives us the breath of life. Unfortunately, the majority of us take the gift of breathing for granted and forget that we belong to God and that our breath belongs to Him, the One who created us.

Sometimes we bind ourselves up so tight in our clothes that we cannot inhale. “When the waist is compressed, the circulation of the blood is impeded, and the internal organs, cramped and crowded out of place, cannot perform their work properly. It is impossible, under such circumstances, to take a full inspiration. Thus the pernicious habit of breathing only with the upper part of the lungs is formed, and feebleness and disease are often the result.” Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 88.

Some years ago suspenders came in “style” for a little while. I rushed down to get a couple of them to use with my skirts. I thought they really looked cool. One of the best things about them was that I could breathe easily and they were also fashionable. But then, as suddenly as they came in, they went right back out. Fashion took preeminence and most of us wanted to look smart instead of being able to breathe more comfortably. So we all went back to belts and our breathing again began to be suffocated. A few years ago Ellen White wrote the following:

“But the teacher should impress upon his pupils the importance of deep breathing. Show how the healthy action of the respiratory organs, assisting the circulation of the blood, invigorates the whole system, excites the appetite, promotes digestion, and induces sound, sweet sleep, thus not only refreshing the body, but soothing and tranquilizing the mind. And while the importance of deep breathing is shown, the practice should be insisted upon. Let exercises be given which will promote this, and see that the habit becomes established. ” Child Guidance 365.

Let’s perform a little experiment. Fasten a candle to the end of a wire and light it and then lower it to the bottom of a wide mouth quart jar. Place the cover on the top of the jar and wait to see the result. Soon the candle will burn dimly and in a short time the light will completely go out. This is similar to what happens to our breathing when our lungs are suffocated by tight clothing. Our bodies need lots of fresh air to function properly just the same as the candle needs fresh air to burn.

If you put a little animal into a jar and cover it, its life would go out just as the light of the candle. A child shut up in a close place would die from the same cause in a very little time. In fact, many children are dying every day for want of a sufficient supply of pure air.

Air contains oxygen, and it is the oxygen in the air which is necessary for the candle or wood to burn and produce heat. So it is the oxygen that burns in our bodies and keeps us warm. When wood is burned, heat is produced; but some parts of the fuel are not made into heat. While the fire burns, smoke escapes through the pipe or chimney and a part of the fuel remains in the stove in the form of ashes. Smoke and ashes are the waste parts of the fuel.

The burning which takes place in our bodies produces something similar to the smoke and ashes produced by the fire in a stove. The smoke is called carbonic acid gas, an invisible vapor, and escapes through the lungs. The ashes are various waste and poisonous matters which are formed in all parts of the body. These waste matters are carried out of the body though the skin, the kidneys, the liver, and other organs.

We cannot see the gas escape from our lungs, but we must breathe to get rid of the carbonic acid gas, which is brought to the lungs by the blood to be exchanged for oxygen. Breathing has two functions: to obtain oxygen, and to get rid of carbonic acid gas.

If you were to watch a frog breathe you will notice that the frog has a very curious way of breathing. He comes to the top of the water, puts his nose out a little, and then drinks the air. You can watch his throat and see him swallowing the air, one mouthful at a time just as you would drink water.

We do not drink air as the frog does, but like the frog, we have an air bag in our bodies. Our air bag has to be emptied and filled so often that we cannot live under water as long as a frog does. We call this air bag, lungs. We need so much air and have to change the air in our lungs so often that we would not have time to swallow it as a frog does.

So how do we use these lungs? When we are about to take a long breath, the muscles pull upon the sides of the chest in such a way as to draw them apart. At the same time the diaphragm draws itself downward. By these means, the cavity of the chest is made larger and air rushes in through the nose or mouth to fill the space. When the muscles stop pulling, the walls of the chest fall back again to their usual position, and the diaphragm rises. The cavity of the chest then becomes smaller and the air is forced out through the nose or mouth. This process is repeated every time we breathe.

We breathe once for every four heart beats and this is about eighteen to twenty times each minute. Every time we breathe we take into our lungs about two-thirds pint of air and breathe out the same. Our lungs can hold much more. After he has taken a full breath, a man can breathe out a gallon of air, or more than ten times the usual amount. After he has breathed out all he can there is still almost half a gallon of air in his lungs which he cannot breathe out. Our lungs hold almost one and a half gallons of air.

Why has God given us so much room in our lungs? Try running up and down the stairs three or four times and you will see why we need extra lung room. It is because when we exercise vigorously the heart works very much faster and beats harder, causing us to breathe much faster and fuller to enable the lungs to purify the blood as fast as the heart pumps it into them.

Besides carbonic acid gas, the air which we breathe out also contains other invisible poisons. These poisons make the air of a crowded or unventilated room smell very unpleasant to one who just comes in from the fresh air. This air is unfit to breathe.

“The effects produced by living in close, ill-ventilated rooms are these: The system becomes weak and unhealthy, the circulation is depressed, the blood moves sluggishly through the system because it is not purified and vitalized by the pure, invigorating air of heaven. The mind becomes depressed and gloomy, while the whole system is enervated; and fevers and other acute diseases are liable to be generated. … The system is peculiarly sensitive to the influence of cold. A slight exposure produces serious diseases.” Healthful Living, 61.

Did you know that the carbonic acid gas which is so poisonous to us is one of the most necessary foods for plants? Plants take in carbonic acid gas through their leaves, and send the oxygen back into the air ready for us to use again.

All of this shows how fearfully and wonderfully we are made. So we need to breathe deeply and breathe fresh air for air is also God’s medicine for us, just as much as food is. The lungs should be allowed the greatest freedom possible.

Loosen up and breathe! Open your windows and breathe! Stand up straight and breathe. Sit up straight and breathe. Walk and breathe. Breathe deep and let your body live. Superficial breathing does not give life. Stomach, liver, lungs, and brain are suffering for want of deep, full inspirations of air.

“The whole body is designed for action; and unless the physical powers are kept in health by active exercise, the mental powers cannot long be used to their highest capacity. The physical inaction which seems almost inevitable in the schoolroom—together with other unhealthful conditions—makes it a trying place for children, especially for those of feeble constitution. Often the ventilation is insufficient. Ill-formed seats encourage unnatural positions, thus cramping the action of the lungs and the heart. Here little children have to spend from three to five hours a day, breathing air that is laden with impurity and perhaps infected with the germs of disease. No wonder that in the schoolroom the foundation of lifelong illness is so often laid. The brain, the most delicate of all the physical organs, and that from which the nervous energy of the whole system is derived, suffers the greatest injury. By being forced into premature or excessive activity, and this under unhealthful conditions, it is enfeebled, and often the evil results are permanent.” Education, 207, 208.

Lifestyle – Air and Respiration

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If all hindrances to good circulation have been minimized and/or prevented, then good oxygenation of the blood and tissues is dependent upon a healthy respiratory system.

Let’s look at the anatomy of respiration. With a normal inspiration, about one pint (500 cc) of air is moved into and out of the lungs with each breath taken. Approximately 16 breaths are taken per minute, totaling 23,040 times each day, moving about 3,000 gallons (12,000 liters) of air per day through the lungs. This air, with the carbon dioxide waste products produced by the body, is processed within the 300 million tiny air sacs in the lungs. In these air sacs, oxygen is exchanged for carbon dioxide and is then circulated to every cell in the body.

There is much that can be done to maximize or hinder breathing efforts. Having an erect posture while sitting or standing allows the diaphragm to fully contract and relax. The diaphragm is the large muscle that separates the chest and abdominal cavities. If the posture is slumped, full expansion of the diaphragm is hindered by the stomach and increases the work of the lungs, resulting in less oxygen to the body or a faster breathing rate. With full expansion of the diaphragm, abdominal movement will be noticed with breathing. This can be promoted by doing deep breathing exercises, with the abdomen moving up and down slightly with each breath. After daily practice, this correct breathing will become natural, benefiting the body with health-giving oxygen.

The type of clothing worn can affect breathing. Clothes that are tight around the chest and the waist can hinder full respirations. It is important for clothes to be loose enough to allow full, unhindered movement of both the chest and abdomen. Tight fitting undergarments and tight constricting waist bands or belts should be eliminated from our wardrobe.

Exercise is a friend to good lung function, speeding up not only the respiratory rate but greatly increasing the amount of air moved with each respiration which helps open every tiny air sac and remove any waste products in them. This directly helps prevent lung infections and also gives a boost to the immune system, producing a double benefit, so some form of exercise on a daily basis is excellent for improved lung function. If the exercise can be obtained outside in fresh air and sunshine it is even more beneficial. Having fresh air circulating in the home and bedroom daily is also beneficial for the lungs and improves sleep.

Adequate hydration is beneficial to good lung function. Approximately one quart (liter) of water is lost per day from the lungs. Water helps with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. It makes the lungs more mobile, and helps the lining of the lungs to have adequate fluid, helping trap and remove harmful particles in the air.

A healthful, temperate lifestyle that avoids smoking is of great benefit. Air pollution can be very detrimental to the lungs, preventing pure oxygen from being brought into the body. Irritated eyes, irritability, headache, decreased job efficiency and lung problems can be signs and symptoms of poor quality of air and can also be a contributing factor to heart disease.

With this in mind, it would be wise to avoid polluted or poor quality air as much as possible in order to have healthy lungs, efficient respiration, and pure oxygen circulating to all cells in the body.

Always remember that our lungs and voice should be used to raise praise to our Lord who created this wonderful body. “Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalm 150:6.

Bible Study Guides – Our Need of Prayer

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September 30, 2012 – October 6, 2012

The Power of Prayer

Key Text

“Ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13.

Study Help: Steps to Christ, 93–104; Testimonies, vol. 1, 120, 121.

Introduction

“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power.” Gospel Workers, 254.

1 THE GULF BRIDGED

  • How and why has direct communication with our Creator been cut off? Genesis 3:6–10. What has Jesus explained to us about the only way it is restored? John 14:6; 16:19–28.

Note: “The distance from earth to heaven may seem very great, for sin has fixed a great gulf; it has separated man from God, and has brought woe and misery upon the human race. But Christ throws Himself into the gap. He it is that opens communication between man and God.” Bible Echo and Signs of the Times, January 15, 1889.

“This earth because of transgression had been struck off from the continent of heaven. Communication had ceased between man and his Maker; but the way has been opened, so that he may return to the Father’s house. Jesus is ‘the way, the truth, and the life’ [John 14:6]. The gate of heaven has been left ajar, and the radiance from the throne of God shines into the hearts of those who love Him, even though they dwell in the sin-cursed earth. The light that encircled the divine Son of God will fall upon the pathway of all those who follow in His footsteps.” The Review and Herald, February 28, 1888.

“We are to pray in the name of Christ, our Mediator. Our petitions are of value only as they are offered in His name. He has bridged the gulf that sin has made. By His atoning sacrifice, He has bound to Himself and His Father those who believe in Him. His is the only name under heaven whereby we may be saved.” The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1903.

2 “THIS MAN RECEIVETH SINNERS”

  • What should be our attitude in prayer? Matthew 6:7; Luke 18:9–14.

Note: “There are two kinds of prayer—the prayer of form and the prayer of faith. The repetition of set, customary phrases when the heart feels no need of God, is formal prayer. … We should be extremely careful in all our prayers to speak the wants of the heart, and to say only what we mean. All the flowery words at our command are not equivalent to one holy desire. The most eloquent prayers are but vain repetitions, if they do not express the true sentiments of the heart. But the prayer that comes from an earnest heart, when the simple wants of the soul are expressed just as we would ask an earthly friend for a favor, expecting that it would be granted—this is the prayer of faith. The publican who went up to the temple to pray is a good example of a sincere, devoted worshiper. He felt that he was a sinner, and his great need led to an outburst of passionate desire, ‘God be merciful to me a sinner’ [Luke 18:13].” The Signs of the Times, August 14, 1884.

  • What characteristic of Jesus should always bring us hope? Luke 15:1, 2. How did Jesus respond to what was intended as a charge against Him? Luke 5:30–32.

Note: “It was taught by the Jews that before the favor of God is extended to the sinner, he must first repent. In their view, repentance is a work which men are to accomplish of themselves, by which to earn the favor of heaven. And it was this thought that moved the Pharisees to exclaim in astonishment and anger, ‘This man receiveth sinners’ [Luke 15:2]. According to their ideas He should permit to approach Him those only who had repented of their sins. But Jesus teaches that salvation does not come through our seeking after God, but through God’s seeking after us. Repentance is born in the heart by beholding the love of Christ, who gave His life to save the sinner. It is the goodness of God, manifested in Christ, that softens the heart. It is the virtue that goes forth from Jesus that inspires the purpose of the soul to turn away from sin. We do not repent in order that God may love us, but God reveals His love to us that we may repent. Thus repentance is not the ground of God’s love toward us, but the fruit of that love.” The General Conference Bulletin, December 1, 1895.

3 ALL ARE INVITED

  • As we see our sinfulness, what comfort comes in seeking Heaven’s blessing? Hebrews 4:15, 16.

Note: “We are not to be so overwhelmed with the thought of our sins and errors that we shall cease to pray. Some realize their great weakness and sin, and become discouraged. Satan casts his dark shadow between them and the Lord Jesus, their atoning sacrifice. They say, It is useless for me to pray. My prayers are so mingled with evil thoughts that the Lord will not hear them. These suggestions are from Satan. In His humanity Christ met and resisted this temptation, and He knows how to succor those who are thus tempted. In our behalf, He ‘offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears’ [Hebrews 5:7].

“Many, not understanding that their doubts come from Satan, become faint-hearted, and are defeated in the conflict.

“Do not, because your thoughts are evil, cease to pray. If we could in our own wisdom and strength pray aright, we could also live aright, and would need no atoning sacrifice. But imperfection is upon all humanity. Educate and train the mind that you may in simplicity tell the Lord what you need. As you offer your petitions to God, seeking for forgiveness for sin, a purer and holier atmosphere will surround your soul.” The Signs of the Times, November 18, 1903.

“Jesus receives and welcomes you as His own friend. He loves you. He has pledged Himself to open before you all the treasures of His grace. He says, Make use of My name, and it will be your passport to the heart of My Father, and to all the riches of His grace.” Ibid., February 28, 1906.

  • What type of prayer is always answered positively—and immediately? Psalm 51:1–12; I John 1:9; 5:14, 15.

Note: “When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ ‘gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.’ Galatians 1:4.” The Desire of Ages, 266.

4 GETTING RESULTS

  • What makes prayer effective? Mark 11:22–26; James 1:6.

Note: “The life of the soul depends upon habitual communion with God. Its wants are made known, and the heart is open to receive fresh blessings. Gratitude flows from unfeigned lips; and the refreshing that is received from Jesus is manifested in words, in deeds of active benevolence, and in public devotion. There is love to Jesus in the heart; and where love exists, it will not be repressed, but will express itself. Secret prayer sustains this inner life. The heart that loves God will desire to commune with Him, and will lean on Him in holy confidence.” The Review and Herald, April 22, 1884.

  • How often are we to pray? I Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 16:8.

Note: “We may speak with Jesus as we walk by the way, and He says, I am at thy right hand.

“We may commune with God in our hearts; we may walk in companionship with Christ. When engaged in our daily labor, we may breathe out our heart’s desire, inaudible to any human ear; but that word cannot die away into silence, nor can it be lost. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the noise of machinery. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.” Gospel Workers, 258.

  • What assurances does God give us concerning prayer? Jeremiah 29:12, 13; James 5:16.

Note: “That prayer which comes forth from an earnest, believing heart is the effectual, fervent prayer that availeth much. God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, for we may not ask what would be for our highest good; but in His infinite love and wisdom He will give us those things which we most need.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 531.

  • How are we invited to pray? Luke 18:1–8.

5 STRENGTH FROM ON HIGH

  • How can prayer boost weary laborers? Isaiah 40:31.

Note: “[Many] workers can never attain the highest success until they learn the secret of strength. They must give themselves time to think, to pray, to wait upon God for a renewal of physical, mental, and spiritual power. They need the uplifting influence of His Spirit. Receiving this, they will be quickened by fresh life. The wearied frame and tired brain will be refreshed, the burdened heart will be lightened.” Education, 260, 261.

“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience.” Gospel Workers, 254, 255.

  • In what sense does a victorious heavenly atmosphere encompass the soul that has been praying? Isaiah 26:3.

Note: “If we keep the Lord ever before us, allowing our hearts to go out in thanksgiving and praise to Him, we shall have a continual freshness in our religious life. Our prayers will take the form of a conversation with God as we would talk with a friend. He will speak His mysteries to us personally.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 129.

“Go forward, the Lord says; I understand the case, and I will send you help. Continue to pray. Have faith in Me. It is for My name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive (Matthew 7:7). I will be honored before those who are watching critically for your failure. They shall see the truth triumph gloriously.” Our High Calling, 127.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 When was prayer first needed, and how long will this need continue?

2 How can we be sure that Heaven welcomes our prayers?

3 What are some benefits to be gained from prayer?

4 How can we know our prayers are heard?

5 What encouragement can we find in the Bible?

© 2003 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.

Bible Study Guides – Breathing and Health

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March 3, 2013 – March 9, 2013

The Healthy Reformer

Key Text

“The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 2, 522–535.

Introduction

“The health of the entire system depends upon the healthy action of the respiratory organs.” Healthful Living, 30.

“Wake up, brethren and sisters, wake up. Sleep no longer. ‘Why stand ye here all the day idle?’ Jesus calls you, saying, ‘Go work today in my vineyard’ (Matthew 20:6, 7). Whoever has received the Holy Spirit, will make it manifest; for all his powers will be employed in the most active service. All who actually receive Christ by faith, work. They feel the burden of souls. God now calls upon every one who has a knowledge of the truth, who is a depositary of sacred truth, to arise and impart the light of heaven to others. Those who have been illuminated by the Holy Spirit, will show its office work upon life and character. They will be mediums through which the Holy Spirit will communicate light and knowledge to others. The wonderful truth revealed to us in these last days, is to be revealed to others. ‘The end of all things is at hand’ (1 Peter 4:7). The Lord has been speaking to you in America, and may the Lord forbid that at the time of great illumination, darkness should come upon you because you fail to walk in the light that has been given. Darkness corresponding to your light will surely come upon you, if you do not now arouse from your slumbers, and shake off your useless musings and selfish indulgences, and trade diligently with your Lord’s goods. Move out from your pleasant homes. Develop the talents God has given you, and tell to others what the Holy Spirit has communicated to you. God requires you to work in proportion to the light He has given.” The Review and Herald, December 5, 1893.

1 THE “BREATH OF LIFE” AND THE “BREATH OF THE SOUL”

  • What is the “breath of life” that Adam received from God? Genesis 2:7.

Note: “In God we live and move and have our being. Each heart-beat, each breath, is the inspiration of Him who breathed into the nostrils of Adam the breath of life—the inspiration of the ever-present God, the Great I AM.” The Review and Herald, November 8, 1898.

  • What is the “breath of the soul”? Luke 11:1.

Note: “Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted, and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Well-spring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. Neglect the exercise of prayer, or engage in prayer spasmodically, now and then, as seems convenient, and you lose your hold on God. The spiritual faculties lose their vitality, the religious experience lacks health and vigor.” Gospel Workers, 254, 255.

  • What was the custom of the prophet Daniel regarding prayer? Daniel 6:10. What does it mean to pray unceasingly? I Thessalonians 5:17.

Note: “Unceasing prayer is the unbroken union of the soul with God, so that life from God flows into our life; and from our life, purity and holiness flow back to God.” Steps to Christ, 98.

“While engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace; and the enemy is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God’s word, all the power of divine grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance. It was thus that Enoch walked with God. And God was with him, a present help in every time of need.” Gospel Workers, 254.

2 BREATHE WELL

  • What admonition given to Israel shows us our need to learn proper physical as well as spiritual habits? Deuteronomy 31:12. Among other things, what do we need to teach our children?

Note: “Encourage them [the patients] to breathe the fresh air. Teach them to breathe deeply, and in breathing and speaking to exercise the abdominal muscles. This is an education that will be invaluable to them.” The Ministry of Healing, 264, 265.

“While it may be necessary to protect the little ones from sudden or too great changes of temperature, care should be taken that, sleeping or waking, day or night, they breathe a pure, invigorating atmosphere.” The Adventist Home, 263.

  • What happens to us when we do not get enough “breath” physically or spiritually? Psalm 146:4.

Note: “You have not had a liberal supply of air. Brother I has labored in his store, closely applying himself to his business and allowing himself but a limited amount of air and exercise. His circulation is depressed. He breathes only from the top of his lungs. It is seldom that he exercises the abdominal muscles in the act of breathing. Stomach, liver, lungs, and brain are suffering for the want of deep, full inspirations of air, which would electrify the blood and impart to it a bright, lively color, and which alone can keep it pure and give tone and vigor to every part of the living machinery.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 67, 68.

“Those who have not had a free circulation of air in their rooms through the night generally awake feeling exhausted and feverish, and know not the cause. It was air, vital air, that the whole system required, but which it could not obtain. … Then the clothing should be removed piece by piece from the bed, and exposed to the air. The windows should be opened, the blinds fastened back, and the air allowed to circulate freely for several hours, if not all day, through the sleeping apartments. In this manner the bed and clothing will become thoroughly aired, and the impurities will be removed from the room.” Counsels on Health, 58.

3 SLEEP WELL

  • How can we enjoy fresh air and sleep well even in cold climates? What is our duty toward those who do not have enough clothing because of poverty? Exodus 22:27; Isaiah 58:7; James 2:15, 16.

Note: “Many have been taught from childhood that night air is positively injurious to health and therefore must be excluded from their rooms. To their own injury they close the windows and doors of their sleeping apartments to protect themselves from the night air which they say is so dangerous to health. In this they are deceived. In the cool of the evening it may be necessary to guard from chilliness by extra clothing, but they should give their lungs air.

“On an autumn evening we were once traveling in a crowded car, where the atmosphere was rendered very impure by the mingling of so many breaths. The exhalations from lungs and bodies caused a most sickening sensation to come over me. I raised my window and was enjoying the fresh air, when a lady, in earnest, imploring tones, cried out: ‘Do put down that window. You will take cold and be sick, for the night air is so unhealthy.’ I replied: ‘Madam, we have no other air, in this car or out of it, but night air. If you refuse to breathe night air, then you must stop breathing. God has provided for His creatures air to breathe for the day, and the same, made a little cooler, for the night. In the night it is not possible for you to breathe anything but night air.’ … Many are suffering from disease because they refuse to receive into their rooms at night the pure night air. The free, pure air of heaven is one of the richest blessings we can enjoy.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 527, 528.

  • What promise was given to Israel on condition of obedience to the Lord? Deuteronomy 7:11–15. How are we to cooperate with the Lord if we want to become sharers of the same promise?

Note: “Out of doors, surrounded by the beautiful things that God has made, breathing the fresh, health-giving air, the sick can best be told of the new life in Christ. Here God’s words can be taught.” Counsels on Health, 251.

“The heated air coming from a stove is injurious, and were it not for the air coming in at the crevices of the windows, would be poisonous and destroy life. Stove heat destroys the vitality of the air, and weakens the lungs. … Sick persons are debilitated by disease, and need all the invigorating air that they can bear to strengthen the vital organs to resist disease.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, 152.

4 PURE AIR VS. AIR POLLUTION

  • What kind of environment is the best place for recovery from disease?

Note: “If these [many of those living in the cities] could be taken to some farming district, surrounded with the green fields, the woods and hills and brooks, the clear skies and the fresh, pure air of the country, it would seem almost like heaven. …

“Through nature they would hear His voice speaking to their hearts of His peace and love, and mind and soul and body would respond to the healing, life-giving power.” The Ministry of Healing, 192.

  • What kind of environment is among the worst places for recovery?

Note: “The noise and excitement and confusion of the cities, … are most wearisome and exhausting to the sick. The air, laden with smoke and dust, with poisonous gases, and with germs of disease, is a peril to life.” The Ministry of Healing, 262.

“If a house is built where water settles around it, remaining for a time, and then drying away, a poisonous miasma arises, and fever and ague, sore throat, lung diseases, and fevers will be the result.” Counsels on Health, 58, 59.

  • As we compare Isaiah 24:5 with Revelation 16:17, what kind of pollution should we expect in these last days?
  • What instruction given to Lot is applicable also today in view of the air pollution in the cities? Genesis 19:17.

Note: “Serious times are before us, and there is great need for the families to get out of the cities into the country. … Let those who are suffering with poor health go out into country places.” Home and Church School Manual, 42.

5 SPIRITUAL SLEEPINESS

  • What unusual event in Acts 20:9 is repeated by many during church services? Why is it very dangerous to be spiritually asleep? Matthew 25:5; I Thessalonians 5:6–8; I Peter 4:7.

Note: “Neglect of proper ventilation is responsible for much of the drowsiness and dullness that destroy the effect of many a sermon and make the teacher’s work toilsome and ineffective.” The Ministry of Healing, 274.

“I felt compelled twice, as I was speaking, to change the exercise, and have all arise and engage in singing; for a sleepy lethargy seemed to be upon the people, who were compelled to work hard during the week. The windows were thrown open as often as practicable.” The Review and Herald, September 27, 1887.

  • What can we do to avoid “spiritual sleepiness”? Romans 13:11.

Note: “Again and again the Lord has pointed out the work which the church in Battle Creek and those all through America are to do. They are to reach a much higher standard in spiritual advancement than they have yet reached. They are to awake out of sleep and go without the camp, working for souls that are ready to perish.” Testimonies, vol. 8, 70, 71.

“Let every church awake out of sleep; let the members unite themselves together in the love of Jesus, and in sympathy for perishing souls, all go forth to their neighbors, pointing them to the way of salvation. Our Leader has all power in heaven and in earth.” Lake Union Herald, December 30, 1908.

“Let every church arouse and put away their pride and vanity and worldliness. Let them humble their hearts before God by repentance that they have lifted so few burdens for Christ.” The Review and Herald, December 7, 1886.

“There is a work to be done in the churches. A different testimony must go forth. I am terribly alarmed. Throughout the churches there are selfishness and sin, dishonesty, unbelief, criticism and fault-finding. It is high time to awake out of sleep. You who have long lost the spirit of prayer, pray, pray earnestly. Pity thy suffering cause; pity the church, pity the individual believers, thou Father of mercies. Take from us everything that defiles, deny us what thou wilt; but take not from us Thy Holy Spirit.” East Michigan Banner, March 15, 1905.

PERSONAL REVIEW

1 Have I thanked my Creator for giving me breath to live this day?

2 Have I learned how to pray without ceasing, like I breathe?

3 Do I understand and practice how to breathe deeply by using my diaphragm?

4 Am I sleeping with fresh air in my room?

5 Am I breathing anything which is poisonous and, if so, what can I do to change the circumstances?

6 Am I alert during worship or am I a sleepy saint? How can I wake up?

The Soul Needs Prayer

“We should pray in the family circle, and above all we must not neglect secret prayer, for this is the life of the soul. It is impossible for the soul to flourish while prayer is neglected.” Steps to Christ, 98.

Tobacco on the Brain

“Tobacco using is a habit which frequently affects the nervous system in a more powerful manner than does the use of alcohol. …

“Tobacco … affects the brain and benumbs the sensibilities, so that the mind cannot clearly discern spiritual things, especially those truths which would have a tendency to correct this filthy indulgence.” Child Guidance, 403, 404.

Benefits of Outdoor Work

“Let men and women work in fields and orchard and garden. This will bring health and strength to nerve and muscle. Living indoors and cherishing invalidism is a very poor business. If those who are sick will give nerves and muscles and sinews proper exercise in the open air, their health will be renewed.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, 230.

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.