then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,
and the man became a living creature.
(Genesis 2:7)
what about using a black/white/conte, lifeless general composition, with color entering a figure's nose, tinting the figure gradually from the head down, with the colored sections of the body taking on an animated pose; the rest drooping & hollow?
anyway i am thinking that using a contrast of color & paleness can help portray the aspect of "life"
as just kind of general advice (though i believe you are already doing this), i'd concentrate & meditate on the scriptures & think about what imagery comes to mind while you think about the Word.
besides the creation of mankind, there's also this passage:
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit."
(John 20:21-22)