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Resolution: Try A Spiritual Discipline: Breath Prayer

By: John Reiter

Posted: January 19, 2021

Category: Daily Devotional

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalm 62:5-6

Let everything that breathes praise God.

Psalm 150:6

I invite you to try another way of praying: a Breath Prayer. There are a variety of ways this can be done, but at its essence, the breath prayer involves repeating a prayer or phrase while you breathe in and another while you breathe out. This type of prayer can be done anywhere, at home, at your desk, or even in your car at a traffic light. The focus of the prayer is God and allowing God to be at your center. Focusing on a phrase or word can help you to pause, calm your spirit, and be deliberate about what God is doing in your life.

  1. Select a phrase from the list below.
  2. Get into a comfortable position and concentrate on your breathing.
  3. Breathe in deeply and say or think the first word, syllable, or phrase of your selection.
  4. As you breathe out, say or think the other half of your selection.
  5. Repeat this pattern several times as you center on God and open yourself to God’s presence.

Possible Words or Phrases for Breath Prayers

Jesus/loves me.

The Lord/is my shepherd.

Nothing can separate me/from the love of God.

Be still/and know.

Be still and know/that I am God.

I will not be afraid/for You are with me.

For God alone/my soul waits in silence.

Your grace/is enough for me.

You are/our refuge and strength.

Praise/the Lord!

Bless the Lord/O my soul.

Prayer

Merciful God, thank You for listening to our prayers. We rejoice that You are the author of all good things and that You love us. Help us to find moments in our daily lives to refocus on You and Your call to love You and our neighbors. Strengthen us. In Your name we pray, Amen.