Dry Bones and Living Breath – Love in the Wilderness
A devotion on Exekiel 37:1-10 on the power of resurrection hope
Here is a devotion to start your day!
A spoken version of this devotion is available through the Still, Here audio reflections podcast.
Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1–10
Yahweh’s hand was on me, and he brought me out in Yahweh’s Spirit, and set me down in the middle of the valley; and it was full of bones. He caused me to pass by them all around; and behold, there were very many in the open valley, and behold, they were very dry. He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I answered, “Lord Yahweh, you know.”
Reflection
The Spirit brings Ezekiel to a valley full of dry bones—dry, scattered and silent. It is a picture of utter hopelessness. God asks him, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel’s answer is cautious honesty: I don’t know, but You do.
Then God tells him to prophesy. As he speaks God’s word, bones come together, sinews and flesh cover them, but there is still no breath. God tells him to prophesy again, this time to the breath. The Spirit enters, and the slain stand up—an exceedingly great army.
This vision is about Israel, cut off and despairing. Yet it also speaks into our personal valleys—places in us that feel beyond repair, stories we have written off as dead. God does not ask us to pretend the bones aren’t dry. He asks us to listen for His question: Can I still bring life here?
Hope does not deny the reality of the bones. It invites the word and breath of God into those very places. Lent makes room for both: we tell the truth about death, and we dare to expect resurrection.
Love in the wilderness stands with you in the valley and whispers, “I am not done speaking here.”
A Prayer of Presence
Breath of God,
You see the dry bones in my life that I have declared beyond hope. Speak Your word again, breathe Your Spirit in, and raise what only You can restore. – Amen
Practice for Today
Identify one “dry bones” area—a relationship, ministry, dream, or habit you consider lifeless. Write a short, honest prayer over it, asking God specifically to breathe His life there in whatever way He chooses.
Consider This...
Where have I quietly decided, “This will never change,” and what might it mean to hold that place before God again?
Carry This Prayer With You
Breathe in : Breathe life in me…
Breathe out: … let me live for You
This work is freely shared. If it nourishes your life with God, you’re welcome to help sustain it.