Breath of God: Living a Life Led by the Holy Spirit

by Dave Pivonka

Drawing on more than thirty years of ministry experience, Father Dave Pivonka, T.O.R., walks readers through a new way of relating to the Holy Spirit by sharing personal encounters, including an experience that changed his life. What he learned along the way will lead readers to have their own unique encounter and discover the joy of living a life moved by the Spirit. Catholics know God as their father and Jesus as their friend, yet most bypass the third person of the Holy Trinity in their spiritual lives. In this essential guide for those who want to recognize and receive the Holy Spirit, Franciscan priest Dave Pivonka takes readers on his journey as a twenty-something Catholic encountering the Holy Spirit and Charismatic movement for the first time.Breath of Living a Life Led by the Holy Spirit dives into the scriptures that convinced Pivonka to pursue a life in the Spirit and shows readers how God’s Spirit is present and active in everyday life. Pivonka’s experience and compelling stories of faith from the lives of those to whom he ministers demonstrate how receiving the Holy Spirit allows the love between the Father and the Son, which animated Jesus’ life on earth, to pour into the hearts of God’s people.

Genres: Faith, Christianity, Spirituality, Catholic, Religion

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 30, 2015

Reviews

[Kelli]

Father Dave does a phenomenal job of writing about the Holy Spirit as if you are having a conversation over a cup of coffee. Lighthearted, easy to read, but also full of depth and goodness. This book was a blessing to me, as is Father Dave’s video series “The Wild Goose”. Would highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to gain an understanding of the Holy Spirit, or deepen their relationship. Thank you Father Dave!

[Nancy McCarroll]

A Gift

I had recently been reading about the Holy Spirit. I found a much greater understanding, love and devotion by reading this book. I see glimpses of the spirit in my life frequently. Maybe one of the gifts of understanding is just seeing what is in front of you, and inviting the spirit into your life.

[Elizabeth Warner]

Lovely little piece on the Holy Spirit. So glad to see a piece about the third member of the Trinity, who is often overlooked by many Christians and Catholics. Reading this certainly opened my eyes to the role of the Holy Spirit; it accomplishes this with epic 90’s jokes and sound Theology which makes it
an informative yet entertaining read. Well done!

[awesome.nerd.reads]

This book helps understand the Holy Spirit better. Through the chapters: the spirit breathes on us, is generous to us, gives us gifts, produces fruit in our lives, baptizes us, is unlimited to us, adopts us, makes us holy, brings us freedom, lives in the sacraments, gives witness and helps us remember.

[Renee]

Enlightened

This book is my go to when things get rough! It has given me a whole new perspective. Being undercatechized this book gives me lots of encouragement in the love and mercy of our Lord!
Karen

[Andrew McLaughlin]

Thought was good. A good description and reminder of the importance and blessing of the Holy Spirit along with God and Jesus. Important to remember the third, often forgotten part, of the three persons of God. Book was written by a Hallow contributor. Had far too many spelling issues though

[Bill J Marion]

Wonderful book on the Holy Spirit

Father Dave has a very easy style to read. His stories and explanations helped me learn more about the Holy Spirit

[Kim]

Just what I needed, and an enjoyable read as well. I wanted to savor it and go slowly, but couldn’t stop. I know I will reread it again and again. Thank you, Father Pivonka, for writing this.

[Amber]

Amazing

Love all works by Fr P. He speaks in a way that is understandable and really conveys Gods love for us. Beautiful!

[Lance Spreacker]

Great book with AMAZING reflections and has help me to live more fully in the Spirit! Great to read one chapter a day and journal about it after!

[Abby Avery]

I had high hopes for my celeb crush fr. dave. There's some good stories though and the HS is legit

[Diane Stanley]

Somewhat of a rehashing of other books that were written by Father Pivonka. Good thoughts.

[Abby Bonin]

Idk why it’s taken me so long to finish but this book truly was so GOOD! Highly recommend !!!

[Howard]

A wonderful journey in understanding the Holy Spirit, must read.

[Argum]

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

I loved this book and found it challenging personally yet enjoyable conversational even to read. Fr Pivonka shares his journey with the Holy Spirit mixed with selections from the Bible, the Catechism, and papal writings to paint a new picture of the Holy Spirit and what it should mean to Catholics everywhere. Each chapter closes with a couple of personal reflection questions and a suggested activity like a prayer or a thought exercise or action to take.

Father discusses how some are put off by charismatics and I will not demur from being one of them. However, his explanation and admission that some of the participants are in fact off putting was very helpful. After attending Mass one Sunday at a charismatic parish, I was confused and didn't quite understand what was going on around me. I feel like I know better get what they are trying to do even if I still find some of the ideas in that parish strange, which is okay.

More importantly, Fr Pivonka talks about letting the Holy Spirit into our lives personally every day and every which way. Sometimes it may be big like speaking in tongues, but other times it is what he calls a nudge. I read that passage and thought that I had just gotten one such nudge, the unexpected arrival of this book from the publisher in my mailbox!

This is not a book I would have picked up exactly because I don't much think of the Holy Spirit beyond the Sign of the Cross or Pentecost. I say a prayer every day to help me listen to the Holy Spirit, but I think He could be screaming and I wouldn't know. After reading this book, I am hopeful that maybe I am now better able to feel that nudge and hear that whisper. Fr. Pivonka really made the point about not forgetting this member of the Trinity and how we are all poorer for ignoring the gifts AND fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives each day.

I think that anyone who is lacking that real presence in their lives and especially the ones who may find such an idea off putting (like me) are exactly the ones who should read this book, but will be the first to say oh this isnt for me. IT IS. This book is not one I would have picked off the shelf at the Catholic bookstore, but I think it has actually made a difference in how I approach the Holy Spirit. What a blessing.

[Jackie]

Life changing

[Greg Lardy]

Thanks to my brother for the recommendation on this one. Loved it.