Worship Through the Spiritual Discipline “Breath Prayer”
Today, I want to share with you the spiritual discipline called “BREATH PRAYER”. Our breath is the sign of life within us, when we breathe in we take the sustenance of life that nourishes our lungs and body; with exhalation we discard those things that are not good for the body. Breath Prayer is similar in structure. In this discipline we intentionally seek God with our breath while inhaling , breathing in the goodness of God and uttering a name of God that is meaningful to us, and upon breathing out we utter a confession, exclamation, statement, or request. We are actively taking the time to be in the presence of God. Here are a couple of examples of what can be spoken: Abba, I Love you; Healer, please heal my body; Shepherd, bring home my lost son; or any phrase that addresses God’s name then a request or statement. For our purpose today, we will ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness of our sins through confession.
Scriptures that support this discipline for worshiping God are:
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness . . . He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
II Peter 1:3-4, NIV
So, in prayer we come into the presence of the Lord, and keep company with Him, abide in Him and remind ourselves that He is present and living in us. Here is how to pray with the Spiritual Discipline, Breath Prayer:
- Sit back and get comfortable.
- Relax and prepare your mind to enter the door of prayer through the presence of God
- Quiet your inside noise and put yourself in God’s presence and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer.
- Breathe in deep and while you are doing so, speak the name “Lord, Jesus Christ” and as you exhale speak this request, “Have Mercy on me”
- As you feel God’s presence pay attention to what sins he may be drawing your mind to think about.
- Allow God to work inside you as you commune with Him.
- Notice what stirs within you. What thoughts or feelings is He bringing to your mind? Is there something that will require an action on your part?
- Lastly, what thoughts can you take with you?
I pray that this discipline is as meaning to you as it has been for me. Not only is it effective, but it can be done while sitting in traffic, waiting on your children, at the doctor’s office or in the privacy of your own home.
Take time to breathe in God, and exhale the world.
Living a Life of Worship 