Breath Prayers

Breath prayers are a modern adaptation of the ancient prayer of the heart. We create them to express our deepest needs. They help us keep God in the foreground amidst our daily living and clarify our relationship with the holy. most breath prayers are six to eight syllables and fit easily into one inhale and exhale. Some examples are “Help me rest; give me peace,” “Make clear my way, O Holy One,” “Out of darkness, into light,” or “Fill me, Spirit, with your love.”

- Jane E. Vennard, The Breath Prayer

The above quote was a part of one of my e-devotionals this past week. I was first introduced to the practice of breath prayers when I was in college at the Wesley Foundation campus ministry at Ball State. I remember when the Campus Minister shared this practice with us, I thought it was a little weird at first. It was certainly outside my very traditional understanding of prayer. Prayer for me had always been something I did in worship and before bedtime. I prayed in a certain way and often used the same words.
While I thought it was strange, I gave it a try and found it a power tool in my own spiritual growth. I love the simplicity of it. I love the idea of breathing in and out my prayers to God. It was freeing for me as a college student and for one who was just beginning to really take seriously my own sense of calling to ministry.
I often use the breath prayer now to focus me. It helps me to center my heart and to listen. With each breath I feel more connected to the One who created the air that I breathe and the lungs that fill my body with life-giving oxygen. The practice also reminds me of Jesus breathing the Holy Spirit upon the disciples after his resurrection. Breath prayers have been a wonderful gift to me during times of stress and anxiety when I did not know what to pray. I find renewal and peace with each breath.
If you've never tried it, I encourage you to give breath prayers a try. It may just open a whole new door in your relationship with the One Who loves you.
Thanks for being a part of my journey!