Breath Prayer

Breath Prayer

To silence the mind sometimes seems impossible. How hard it is to keep the mind from thinking, wandering, pondering, forever dreaming, and constantly producing thoughts in a never-ending stream. Breath Prayer helps focus your thoughts on Jesus.

At its core, the breath prayer is a short, simple prayer synchronized with breathing. Inhale one phrase. Exhale another. That’s it. Just breathing and paying attention to God in those challenging moments that cause you to feel anxious, overwhelmed. You can also do it when things are going great, and you feel God’s presence.

Process

Breathe: As you breathe in, silently say a name for God, hold that breath for two seconds, focusing on the character of God, and as you breathe out, pray a short prayer in your mind.

Such as:
Inhale: Father God
Exhale: I need you near.

Inhale: Abba Father
Exhale: I am yours.

Inhale: Lord Jesus Christ
Exhale: Have mercy on me.

Try saying this prayer time and time again, maybe go for a run or walk, and breathe this prayer as you go.

What’s happening during the Breath Prayer?

Spiritually, the practice does a few things at once.
It slows the body, which calms the nervous system, whether you asked it to or not.
It trains attention, gently interrupting the constant background noise of worry, planning, and self-criticism.
It invites God into our most basic human rhythm, breathing, instead of keeping prayer trapped in formality.

Using Bible passages during your Breath Prayer

If you are restless, stressed, or pretending you’re fine

Matthew 11:28

  • Inhale: Jesus, I come to you

  • Exhale: Give me rest

Psalm 46:1

  • Inhale: God, you are my refuge

  • Exhale: You are my strength

Isaiah 41:10

  • Inhale: Do not fear

  • Exhale: I am with you

If your brain never stops narrating doom

Psalm 27:1

  • Inhale: The Lord is my light

  • Exhale: Whom shall I fear?

Philippians 4:6–7

  • Inhale: I release my worry

  • Exhale: God, guard my heart

If you feel distant from God or spiritually numb

Psalm 63:1

  • Inhale: O God, you are my God

  • Exhale: I seek you

Lamentations 3:22–23

  • Inhale: Your mercies are new

  • Exhale: Even today

Psalm 51:10

  • Inhale: Create in me

  • Exhale: A clean heart

If you “don’t know how to pray” but are still breathing

Luke 18:13

  • Inhale: God, have mercy

  • Exhale: On me

Psalm 70:1

  • Inhale: O God, come quickly

  • Exhale: Help me

Psalm 23:1

  • Inhale: The Lord is my shepherd

  • Exhale: I lack nothing

For ending your day or falling asleep

Psalm 4:8

  • Inhale: In peace

  • Exhale: I lie down and sleep

Psalm 121:4

  • Inhale: You watch over me

  • Exhale: I am safe

Use the video below as a timer.