Breath Prayers
CONNECT US WITH GOD WITH EVERY BREATH
Every breath is a sacred gift. Without it, we die. That’s what makes breath prayers so powerful. They connect us to God with every breath.
The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4)
Considering its great size and power, an elephant must exercise self-control and restraint to effectively navigate and thrive. Likewise, breath prayers help us navigate and thrive through the elephant-sized gift of our breath (and the One who is with us in every breath).
Christ in. Self out. More of Him. Less of me.
What started when God breathed the breath of life into Adam continues in each of us every minute of every day that our hearts beat on this spinning, blue planet. At least a dozen times a minute, we repeat this ancient rhythm that began in the Garden of Eden.
Just as God breathed life into us (“The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.”), He breathed it into His Word: “All Scripture is God-breathed.” (2 Timothy 3:16a)
Yet how often do we move through our days, months, and years, giving no thought to this automatic function of life? The Desert Mothers and Fathers chose this rhythm to teach them how to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Their most common prayer was an echo of Luke 18:13: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
With every breath, their hearts and minds were drawn toward Jesus.
Research shows that how we breathe also makes a difference. Breathing deeply:
- lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- calms the sympathetic nervous system
- improves mood
- improves symptoms of depression
- reduces stress and anxiety
- relieves pain
- improves focus
- improves memory
- increases energy
- improves lung function
- reduces tension
- improves heart function
- reduces inflammation
- promotes blood flow
- improves core muscle stability
So many good things tucked into a single function of life!
PRAY SCRIPTURE WITH BREATH PRAYERS
As we consciously pray a short passage of Scripture with each breath, thoughts settle, breathing slows, pressure drops, expectations wane, stress falls away, tensions fade, heart rates ease, and we are drawn into the Presence of our Creator.
“To pray is to breathe alongside God.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
How fitting to pray the gift of God’s Word to the ancient rhythm of His gift of our life.
Are you ready to step in?
HOW TO PRAY WITH EVERY BREATH
- Find a comfortable spot.
- Close your eyes.
- Quiet your thoughts.
- When you’re ready, begin with the first few words of Scripture as you breathe in, Let the word of Christ – (Focus on each word.)
- Complete the verse as you exhale, – dwell in you richly.
- If you are anxious or your body is restless, try adding a simple movement as you breathe:
• Look up and open your hands, surrendering your will, words, thoughts, anxiety, frustration, exhaustion, and sin to Jesus.
• Pull your hands into your chest as you breathe in the first half of your prayer, embracing God and His Word.
• Open and extend your hands as you breathe out the second half of your prayer, worshipping God.
- Focus on each word.
- Begin to feel the rhythm of the words with the rhythm of your breathing.
- Listen for God to speak to you in this place of quiet surrender.
VERSES TO TRY FOR BREATH PRAYERS
My soul finds rest in God alone. (Psalm 62:1a)
When I am afraid, I will trust in you. (Psalm 56:3 CSB)
I cried to my God for help … He heard my voice … (Psalm 18:6)
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9b)
…not my will, but yours be done. (Luke 22:42)
Be still, and know that I am God… (Psalm 46:10a)
May your unfailing love be my comfort… (Psalm 119:76a)
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:2)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
…I cried to the Lord…he answered by setting me free. (Psalm 118:5)
…live by the Spirit…keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:25)
Breathing a prayer to God is a simple way of using your body to engage your mind on the Word of God. Bill Gaultiere
Breath Prayer – 1 Samuel 3:9
INHALE: Speak, Lord, EXHALE: for your servant is listening. (1 Samuel 3:9)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 56:3
INHALE: When I am afraid EXHALE: I will trust in you. (Psalm 56.3)
Breath Prayer – Luke 22:42 EXB
INHALE: Father, if you are willing, EXHALE: take away this cup of suffering. (Luke 22:42 EXB)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 18:6
INHALE: In my distress, EXHALE: I called to the Lord… (Psalm 18:6)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 147:3
INHALE: He heals the brokenhearted EXHALE: and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 119:76
INHALE: May your unfailing love EXHALE: be my comfort… (Psalm 119:76a)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 86:11
INHALE: Teach me Your way, O Lord, EXHALE: that I may walk and live in Your truth… (Psalm 86:11 AMPC)
Breath Prayer – Isaiah 41:10
INHALE: I am your God.I will strengthen you EXHALE: and help you;I will uphold you… (Isaiah 41:10)
Breath Prayer – Matthew 11:28
INHALE: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, EXHALE: and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 46:10
INHALE: Be still and know … EXHALE: that He is God. (Psalm 46:10)
Breath Prayer – Colossians 3:16
INHALE: Let the word of Christ EXHALE: dwell in you richly… (Colossians 3:16)
Breath Prayer – Psalm 139:14
INHALE: I am fearfully, EXHALE: and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
FREE PRINTABLES
Breath Prayers
Considering its great size and power, an elephant must exercise self-control and restraint to effectively navigate and thrive. Likewise, breath prayers help us navigate and thrive through the elephant-sized gift of our breath (and the One who is with us in every breath).
Show Me, Lord Prayer
Are you overwhelmed, weary, discouraged, or unsure of how to live this life you’ve been given? You’re not alone. It is at the point of surrender that we finally begin to hear God speak.
Prayers for the Journey
These short prayers can strengthen, encourage, and inspire you to step into the comforting presence of God, where you are fully known, infinitely cared about, and deeply loved.
Breath as Prayer: Calm Your Anxiety, Focus Your Mind, and Renew Your Soul
Jennifer Tucker
Find hope amid anxiety through the spiritual practice of breath prayer in this beautifully illustrated and practical guide to connecting body, mind, and spirit during times of stress. Discover practices with proven health benefits. Breath prayers are intentional prayers centered around Scripture that focus our minds on Christ as we calm our bodies through breathing.
Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation
Ruth Haley Barton
Do you long for a deep, fundamental change in your life with God? Do you desire a greater intimacy with God? Spiritual disciplines are activities that open us to God’s transforming love and the changes that only God can bring about in our lives. Dive deeply into understanding seven key disciplines along with practical ideas for weaving them into everyday life.
The Way of the Heart: Connecting with God Through Prayer, Wisdom, and Silence
Henri J.M. Nouwen
Discover a spiritual path consisting of three stepping-stones: solitude (learning not to be alone but to be alone with God); silence (the discipline by which the inner fire of God is tended and kept alive); and prayer (standing in the presence of God with the mind in the heart).
Whispers: Being with God in Breath Prayers
Jean Wise
The practice of breath prayers helps you connect more deeply and intimately with God. Breath prayers are powerful, short prayers (often only 5-7 words in length) said in one breath, allowing the words to merge with one’s breathing by quietly repeating a phrase for several minutes. The idea is to pick a meaningful phrase and repeat it until it becomes part of your very being.
Word by Word: A Daily Spiritual Practice
Marilyn McEntyre
Word by Word is a beautifully- written book of meditations on fifteen well-chosen words. Readers are invited to dwell intentionally with single words: remember their biblical and literary contexts, consider the personal associations they bring up, and allow them to become a focus for prayer and meditation.
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