Whale Spout Prayers

The striking image of a whale spout spraying high into the air from the ocean surface is not only beautiful, but it is also essential for a whale's survival. Whales can live beneath the sea for long periods of time, but they must regularly come to the surface for air in order to survive. A spout occurs when, just as the whale surfaces, it blows out all of the old air in one big whoosh. This huge exhale creates space in the lungs that can then be refilled with new, life-giving air. The spout is an indication that the whale is yet alive - breathing out and breathing in - refreshed and strengthened to dive back into the deep.

Like the whale, we need to regularly surface from our busy lives in order to exhale the "old" and inhale the "new." Prayer is our whale spout; a spiritual whoosh that clears out the "old" burdens that drag us down and creates space that is then refilled with the fresh air of God's life-giving Spirit. Prayer is our indication to God that we are yet alive - breathing out and breathing in - refreshed and strengthened to dive back into both the joys and the challenges of daily life.

We offer our "whale spout prayers" to God - breathing out and breathing in - reassured of God's presence within and without, always and everywhere. Amen!