BREATHING DEEPLY

 

July 10, 2024

Psalms 1:2

Blessed is the one . . . .
whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and 

night.


Did you try to incorporate one of the types of prayer we mentioned yesterday into your quiet space with God?

I am going to add another type to our resources today. One of the practices I have found helpful in my prayer life has been to learn different types or ways to pray. With these various resources when my prayer life gets to be a struggle, I change things up and use a different practice to maintain communication with God.

Have you ever heard of the Breath Prayer?

Breath prayer is a short prayer that connects your body with the God’s Word.

As you breathe in, say/think of a name or characteristic of God rooted in Scripture that holds meaning to you or your circumstance.

As you breathe out, say a short prayer that is true because of your chosen characteristic. As you repeat this, you may find that whispering the truth of God’s character causes your heart to be still and your mind to be at ease.

At first, you may find this practice a bit odd or awkward, I did, but if you stay with it you will reap a benefit in your relationship with God, and you will also discover your prayer life strengthened.

Here are a few examples of breath prayers:

Take Psalm 23  “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

As you inhale, say “Good Shepherd.”

                                 As you exhale, say “I have all that I need.” 

Take Isaiah 9     For to us a child is born, . . . And he will be called  Wonderful Counselor

As you inhale, say “Wonderful Counselor.”

                                As you exhale, say “Guide me.”

John 4  Jesus answered,  “whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst.”

As you inhale, say “Jesus my living water.”

                               As you exhale, say “satisfy my thirsty soul”

This type of prayer can be a great tool to use in moments of stress, as it can be done anywhere, any time and without anyone even knowing. Slow, deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. When we combine this method with prayer, we are inviting God into our daily experience, and we are directing our thoughts toward our Creator.

I invite you to try this in your daily life, repeat as needed!!