Breath Prayers

There is a simple way of praying that has been transformative for me over the years known by some as “breath prayers.” As you draw near to God throughout the day, He draws near to you. One way I have learned to condition myself to be sensitive to God and how close He is on a moment by moment basis is through the use of “breath prayers.” A breath prayer is one sentence prayer we repeat throughout our day to keep ourselves focused on God to become more aware and open to His presence with us.

The breath prayer is usually said silently within. Under your breath more or less. It is done easily in one breath and is natural like breathing in and breathing out a prayer thought.

Once you have identified a breath prayer, you can pray it into the spaces of your day-when you are waiting, when you are worried or anxious or anytime you want to become aware that God is with you. You can learn to pray a breath prayer underneath all the other thoughts and words that swirl around you throughout the day, and eventually many people discover they are praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) in a way that has deep meaning and great power.

This week you can begin by using Jeremiah 29:11-13 (chapter 29, verses 11 through 13) and John 1:1-4 as the sources for your “breath prayers.” Each day you can create a breath prayer from one of these passages. You will simply pray your breath prayer over and over throughout your day. You will be surprised how uplifting and encouraging breath prayers can be.

Let’s read Jeremiah then see an example breath prayer:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Example Breath Prayer – “I am seeking you.”

Now you try. Read Jeremiah 29:11-13 above and write a very short sentence you could repeat throughout the day.

My Breath Prayer from Jeremiah 29:11-13 is…

Each day of this week take a minute to record any thoughts or spiritual insights you have about God and your search for him. Begin each day this week by reading Jeremiah 29:11-13 or John 1:1-4. Write a simple breath prayer. Use your breath prayer throughout the day, then end the day by recording your thoughts and insights in a journal.

Begin today by preparing yourself to seek God before you even head out for the day. Read a scripture passage for the day. Pray your breath prayer and ask God to draw near to you today.