DAY 08 | The Living God

But Yahweh is the only God. He is Elohim Chayim (the Living God) and eternal king. The earth trembles when he is angry. The nations can’t endure his fury.
Jeremiah 10:10

Pronunciation Reference: אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים

photography by Jason Wong / calligraphy by Rita Ip

MUSIC

PRAYER

The Living God, I praise You. You transcend the realm of lifeless statues and fictional characters, and You are not confined to any particular religion or doctrine. You exist as the Living God, fully alive and authentically real.

Thank You for actively engaging in my everyday life. You breathed life into me. You rejoice over me with singing. You walk with me. You answer my prayers. You mould and shape me. You fight my battles for me.

Forgive me, for I am frequently the one who is distant and unresponsive to You, while You desire continual interaction and fellowship with me.

Empower me to be a living testament of Your existence in a world where people think You are “dead” or indifferent. Enlighten those who remain oblivious to Your divine presence.

Because You are the Living God, I declare everything comes alive in Your vibrant presence, and I offer myself to You as a living sacrifice.

A few facts…

Elohim Chayim (אֱלֹהִים חַיִּים) is commonly translated as "The Living God". However, some Hebrew Bible scholars argue that "God of Life" is a more accurate translation.
Elohim means "God," and it is the plural form used in Hebrew to express the singular name of God. Chayim means "living" or "life." Although Elohim and Chayim are both plural words, they should not be understood as plural solely because of this.
The notion of Elohim Chayim sets Him apart from all other deities or idols crafted from materials like wood or iron. It emphasizes the divine essence associated with vitality and existence.

SMILE & BREATHE

No matter how you're feeling right now, may I invite you to smile with me?

Smile, for our God is 100% truly alive!

Take a deep breath, inhaling into your abdomen through your nose. Focus on this breath, for each breath comes from the Living God.

Hold your breath for a few seconds, acknowledging that He is at work in your life, whether you see it or feel it, or not.

Slowly exhale through your mouth, taking a bit longer than your inhale. As you exhale, release to God those areas of your life that seem lacking vitality or life.

Exercise 1:

TWO-WAY JOURNALING

Engaging in the practice of a two-way journal is a way to recognize and affirm the presence of God as the "Living" God. It serves as an act of faith, demonstrating our belief that He is actively present and involved in our lives.

Open a new page in your journal and direct your written words to the Living God. Quiet your heart and mind, allowing yourself to listen attentively to His promptings, and then record the insights and messages you receive in your spirit. Let's invite the Holy Spirit into this sacred space, allowing His gentle guidance to lead you into a profound and meaningful conversation.

[Part 1]
Dear Father / The Living God …
[Part 2]
Dear child / (your name), …

• describe what “the Living God” means to you

• recount a time when you totally felt that “Wow! God is so real and alive!”

• ask Him to breathe new life into a specific situation

• if you are in a season where He seems silent, inactive, or unresponsive, tell Him about it, bare your heart to Him, and ask Him questions that have been puzzling you
Check out APPENDIX 2 for more.

Exercise 2:

DECLARATION

The Living God is undeniably real, alive, and actively present. How does this reality impact your present lifestyle? Pen down your personalized declaration now.

Because You are The Living God, I declare I can / I will / I am…

Recite these words aloud, unhurriedly and with assurance. Declare them as if they are already unfolding in your life, and let the resulting delight and contentment invigorate your faith. Your faith-filled declaration not only brings delight to Him but also serves as the catalyst for a much-needed breakthrough.

As Day 8 of HE concludes, I sincerely appreciate your presence. My prayer today is for the Living God to breathe life into your seemingly hopeless situations, difficult relationships, and broken dreams.