The Prayer of Breath
Have you ever been out of breath? Maybe you stopped breathing at the arch of a story you never imagined hearing or sharing. Perhaps you lost your breath while working out. Possibly, you’ve had the breath knocked out of you, paralyzing you for what seems like the most prolonged moment. The reality of breath is all around us, and our breathing of air is a sign of being alive. Yes, we are alive, and one way we can become more actively alive in Christ is by using our breath.
Breath is a central component of God’s story of redemption. For instance, in Genesis 2:7, God breathed into the man he had formed, and Adam “became a living being.” Job said in his book, Chapter 33;4, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Another example is in Ezekiel 37:6; I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive, and you will know that I am the Lord.”
One of the ways I often feel closest to God is while breathing. I began to realize this specific union by practicing a breath prayer. It’s straightforward,
breathe in (inhale) an attribute of God,
breathe out (exhale) a promise of God.
There are many promises of God in Scripture, and in every promise of God, God pledges that something will (or will not in some cases) be done or given. These are not flippant, casual promises but rock-solid commitments made by God Himself. Because God is faithful, the recipients of the divine promises can fully assure that what God has pledged will indeed be realized.
Try this with me:
Breathe In: God is close to me.
Breathe Out: He is near to me whenever I pray to Him. — Deuteronomy 4:7
Breathe In: God is my protector.
Breathe Out: He has promised protection for His children; that’s me. — Psalm 121
Breathe In: God will not let me down.
Breathe Out: His love would never fail me. — 1 Chronicles 16:34
Breathe In: God is a healer.
Breathe Out: He sent His word and healed me. — Psalm 107:20
Breathe In: God, you promised to comfort me.
Breathe Out: He will comfort me in trials. — 2 Corinthians 1:3–4
As we breathe in the revelation of who God is and what He’s done for us. We, in return, breathe out and respond with praise, thanksgiving, obedience, and wonder (love). There is countless scripture to lead us into a place of lying down in green pastures. So, let your breath guide you while you try this spiritual exercise. And always, remember to let this time with God lead you to rejoice. “I will repeat it: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, present your requests to God with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” — Philippians 4:4–9 (New International Version).
