SPIRITUAL PRACTICE

Breath Prayer

Breath Prayer is traced back to the desert fathers in the sixth century. It became popular in the Christian church in the East during the 14th and 19th centuries.

The word “Spirit” is “Ruach” in Hebrew, and it has three meanings: wind, breath, and Spirit. So, we pray, with the rhythm of our breath, the prayer the Spirit lays on our hearts. This practice supports the idea of “praying without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV).

The best-known Breath Prayer comes right out of the Bible from Luke 18:13 and is called the Jesus Prayer. A tax collector prays, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” But it is often shortened to, “Jesus, have mercy on me,” or “God, have mercy.”

There is a more personalized approach to this prayer that arises from our souls, based on either a specific need or a heart full of praise. Since we are all unique and the Spirit prays within each of us, it seems appropriate that we might all have a special, individual response to our hearts’ longing toward God. This short one-line prayer comes from a deep place inside of us. As we pray, we cry out for what we most desire in that moment. Below are the steps for using the Breath Prayer.

How to Pray Using the Breath Prayer

  • Sit comfortably. (You can also walk as you use this prayer.)

  • Breathe slowly and rhythmically. 

  • Let go of anxious, busy thoughts by refocusing your mind on the present moment or on your breath.

  • Optional: Read a short passage of Scripture two or three times to remind you that God is present with you. This will help you get to a deeper place in your heart.
    For example “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10, RSV).

    • On your “in” breath, say, “Be still, and know…”

    • On your “out” breath, say, “… that I am God.” Repeat this several times, breathing deeply.

  • Determine a name for God that feels suitable or comfortable for you such as: God, Father, Jesus, Holy One, Kind Shepherd, etc.

  • Next, imagine God calling out to you by name and asking, “What do you want?” In the stillness of this moment, search your heart for an answer to this question. Some possible answers might be: “Please give me peace.” “Please, heal my son.” “Provide for my family.” 

  • Now, put the name for God you’ve chosen together with the prayer that’s on your heart, like this:

    • Breathing in: “Jesus,” (Use your favorite name for God. I often us Heavenly Father, Creator, or Compassionate Friend.)

    • Breathing out: “Please comfort my daughter.”

  • This prayer should only be about six to nine syllables. This is important because the entire prayer should fit into one in and out breath cycle.

    The entire prayer should be approximately eight syllables long. You can be a little flexible with the number of syllables, but it’s best to keep your prayer short so it fits your natural rhythm of breathing.

    • Breath in: “Holy Father,” Breath out: “Please give me peace.”

    • Breath in: “Dear Jesus,” Breath out: “I need your help!”

Work with this prayer until it feels right or comfortable. Some of the words may change. That’s okay. Adjust the prayer until it seems to resonate with your soul. Repeat the short, simple prayer over and over again for three to five minutes. I like to use this prayer when I’m out walking alone. If there is a burden I’m carrying, it usually becomes less intense, lighter, and more manageable as I continue praying. As the prayer flows freely and unforced, you may experience more peace and greater trust in God.

I encourage you to revisit and continue using this prayer any time of the day or night as the need arises. You may find that your prayer begins to change over time and gets a little more specific. That’s fine. Allow God’s Spirit to guide you in the process.

Note: If using the word Jesus, Divine, or Holy One instead of God is helpful or more pleasing to you, feel free to do so. For some, the word “God” carries a negative connotation or feeling, usually based on past painful experiences with a father figure.

Examples of Breath Prayers

Father, let me feel your love.

Show me your way, O Lord.

Gracious Father, heal me.

Holy Wisdom, guide me.

Let me know your peace, O God.

Jesus, please comfort me.

Lord, carry this burden.

Abba, I am your child. 

Reflections on the Practice

After spending a few minutes in prayer, reflect on the process. Did your prayer feel comfortable? Did it get at the real desire of your heart? Was it short enough to fit in the rhythm of one in-and-out breath?

Sometimes while I’m walking and praying, my prayer changes slightly. Let the prayer morph into whatever you need it to be. God hears you either way, but you may feel more heard if your prayer is focused specifically on what your heart truly desires. For example, it might change from “Dear God, please heal me” to “Jesus, heal my broken heart.”

I also use this prayer at night if I wake up prematurely and can’t go back to sleep. By repeating a short phrase as I slowly breathe in and out, I often fall back asleep peacefully. I might pray something like: “Lord Jesus, give me peaceful sleep” multiple times. It’s that simple.

Use this same prayer for multiple days, or develop a new prayer to meet the specific needs of each new day.