Are you feeling anxious or unsettled? Do you want to draw closer to Jesus throughout your day and remain more aware of Him being with you? Why don’t you try a “breath prayer?”
Breathe prayers are an ancient practice that can help bring peace and focus to busy lives. Like praying scripture back to God or using verses as affirmations, breath prayers use the Word of God to quickly and authoritatively change your perspective and help you to focus on Jesus and His presence.
If you’re feeling anxious, this is a great way to be still and allow the presence of Jesus and His words to calm, strengthen, and reassure you.
How It Works
Breathe prayers work by breaking down a verse and making it into a centering phrase to be used with mindful breathing. One portion of the verse is recited upon an inhale, with the remainder recited on an exhale.
For example: When you are stressed: [inhale] “My soul finds rest…” [exhale] “…in you alone.” (Psalm 62:1)
When you are tempted: [inhale] “Resist the devil…” [exhale] “…and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
When you are afraid: [inhale] “When I am afraid…” [exhale] “…I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)
Why don’t you try a breath prayer today as a way for you to draw closer to Jesus and calm your heart and mind?
Begin a breathe prayer:
1. It may help to find a still, quiet place to rest in the presence of God.
2. Take a few deep breaths in and out. Without any words at all, focus on your breath. Notice the rhythm of your breathing and then direct your focus to Jesus and his Word.
Try it this way: Breathe in to appreciate God’s breath of life in you… Breathe out to rest in God. (Psalm 39:5, 11).
3. What verses is the Holy Spirit bringing to mind? What promises can you hold on to?
If nothing specific comes up, rest and think about how God cares about you and is all around you. (Psalm 139:3-5)
Nothing separates you from the love of Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35-39).
You can do all things through Jesus who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13)
4. When you have a scripture or word, take a moment to slow down your speaking- are there any words Jesus is highlighting to you? Repeat those words.
5. As you finish, slowly rise, embracing the slow and the stillness as you go about your day.
Here are some breathe prayer statements you can use throughout your day. You can pray one a day or even one for the week as you allow them to sink into your heart and renew your thoughts.
(Matthew 11:28-30) Inhale: Jesus, Exhale: you are rest for my soul. (From John 15) Inhale: Jesus, you are the vine; Exhale: I abide in You. (From Romans 8:38-39) Inhale: Nothing can separate me, Exhale: from the love of God. (From Psalm 46:10) Inhale: Be still
Exhale: and know you are God. (From Matt. 6:10) Inhale: On earth Exhale: as it is in heaven. (From 2 Cor. 12:9) Inhale: Your grace Exhale: is enough for me. (From 1 John 4:18) Inhale: There is no fear Exhale: in your Love. (From Psalm 23) Inhale: I will not be afraid Exhale: for You are with me.
You can also listen to my brand new podcast, Deeper, on my website and on all major streaming platforms. Check out this week's podcast "The Power of Rest"
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you are all around me in the very air I breathe. I lay aside my concerns, anxious thoughts, and busyness and I receive from you your peace and all that you have for me today. in Jesus' name Amen.