“God is breathing room for my soul.” Psalm 62:2 (Message translation)

What is Breath Prayer?

Breath prayer connects breath with prayer—matching the rhythm of the prayer with the natural flow of your breath. You’ll notice the breath prayers I offer here as ideas are just a few words long, but if you want to choose a Bible verse or a longer prayer—go for it! It’s best when the prayer you choose resonates with you—when you feel a deep sense of “Yes, this is it! This says what I want to express to God…”

Allow yourself to notice how the prayer feels—in your body, in your heart, in your mind. Can you sense the prayer carrying you, holding you, connecting you with your longing for God? As you begin, try on a few breath prayers until you find yours…and then take some time to breathe with it.

I usually begin with finding a comfortable position and then pausing to notice my natural breath. Then I intentionally take a few deep breaths—drawing out my inhale and exhale. After a few breaths I join my prayer with my breath…one line with my inhale and one line with my exhale. And then repeat…for however long I desire. What you might notice is when you sit with a breath prayer it can become almost as natural as your breath. Throughout a day, I will find myself coming back to my breath—as I drive my car to the grocery store, as I walk the dog, as I begin to make dinner—and there the prayer is waiting for me. And so with time it becomes woven into my life—breathing, praying, noticing, attuning, being. 

Let’s practice:

If you would like to try this simple practice during the season of Advent, all you need is a few moments in your day to pause. It could be as simple as a few minutes, or maybe you find yourself wanting to linger in silence with God longer.

However you choose to bring this practice into your day…begin by choosing a breath prayer that resonates with you. Find a comfortable position. You can close your eyes, or if you are in a space with a candle, or outside in nature. you might simply soften your gaze. Notice your natural breath, and then begin to lengthen your inhale, and then slowly exhale. Now, add your prayer in rhythm with your breath—a few words with the inhale, and a few words with the exhale. And repeat several times, lingering here with God for however long you want. And then, amen! It’s as simple as that; and you can carry it throughout your day. Maybe write the breath prayer down in a few places to remind you to pause and breathe and pray. With time you may notice your prayer rising as naturally as your breath.

Breath prayers for Advent:

Week 1

Inhale: Holy One
Exhale: draw near

Week 2

Inhale: Christ our Light
Exhale: here with us

Week 3

Inhale: Open my heart
Exhale: to make room for you

Week 4

Inhale: You are birthing
Exhale: something new

More Breath Prayers:

Inhale: Let it be to me
Exhale: according to your word

Inhale: Immanuel
Exhale: God with us

Inhale: I am open
Exhale: to receive you

Inhale: I long
Exhale: for you

Inhale: Open my eyes
Exhale: to see you

Inhale: Open my mind
Exhale: to know you

Inhale: Your word
Exhale: becomes flesh

Inhale: Birth new life
Exhale: in me

Inhale: Immanuel
Exhale: Come

Inhale: We watch
Exhale: and we wait

Create your own! 

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