Harnessing the Power of Breath: Breath Prayers from the Psalms
The practice of breath prayer—an ancient Christian practice that pairs short, rhythmic prayers with your breath—provides a powerful, meditative way to connect with the Divine. Today, we explore how we can create breath prayers from the rich tapestry of the Psalms.
History in the Christian Church
Breath prayers also have a significant place in the Christian contemplative tradition. Early Christian desert fathers and mothers, who sought solitude and spiritual communion in the wilderness, embraced the practice of breath prayers as a means of attaining union with God. These prayers were often short phrases derived from scripture or the teachings of the church, such as "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner," or "Come, Holy Spirit, fill my heart with your love."
The famous Philokalia, a collection of spiritual writings from Eastern Orthodox Christian mystics, further popularized the practice of breath prayers. It emphasized the use of the Jesus Prayer, which consists of the repetition of the phrase, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me," as a way to continually turn one's attention toward God and cultivate a sense of inner stillness and peace.
In recent years, breath prayers have gained popularity beyond religious boundaries as secular mindfulness practices. The focus on the breath and the repetition of simple phrases, such as "I am here" or "I am present," are used to anchor one's attention to the present moment, calm the mind, and reduce stress and anxiety.
Today, breath prayers continue to be embraced by individuals seeking a deeper connection with the divine, inner peace, and spiritual growth. They serve as a reminder to pause, breathe, and turn inward, allowing the repetitive rhythm of the breath and prayer to quiet the mind, open the heart, and create a space for divine presence to be felt.
The beauty of breath prayers lies in their simplicity and accessibility. They can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, and require no elaborate rituals or specialized training. By harnessing the power of the breath and the repetition of sacred phrases, breath prayers offer a profound tool for contemplation, meditation, and spiritual transformation across diverse traditions and cultures.
Breath Prayers in the Psalms
Breath prayers involve the silent repetition of a short prayer phrase in tune with your breathing. The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity and adaptability. You can practice breath prayer while sitting quietly at home, walking in nature, or even amidst the bustle of your daily chores.
One of the key aspects of breath prayer is selecting a prayer phrase. The Psalms, being rich in emotional depth and spiritual longing, offer an abundance of beautiful phrases that can serve this purpose. For instance, Psalm 46:10: "Be still, and know that I am God."
Creating Breath Prayers
These simple, rhythmic prayers can be practiced anywhere, at any time, serving as a powerful reminder to pause, breathe, and turn inward.
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit undisturbed for a few minutes.
Take a few deep breaths, allowing your body and mind to settle.
Choose a short phrase or prayer that resonates with you. It could be a traditional breath prayer like "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" or a simple phrase like "Breathe in courage, breathe out fear." You might also want to choose a Psalm* that resonates with you.
Close your eyes and begin to silently repeat the chosen phrase, syncing it with your breath. Inhale as you say the first part of the phrase and exhale as you say the second part.
Allow the repetition of the breath prayer to create a sense of calm and presence. Let go of any distractions and simply focus on the rhythm of your breath and the meaning behind the words.
Practice this breath prayer for at least 5-10 minutes each day; I love to do this in the morning or before bedtime. Feel free to extend the duration if it feels right for you. I also find I use these prayers anytime I need a dose of courage!
*Your prayer from a Psalm could be a cry for help, a declaration of trust, or a word of gratitude. Here are some examples:
From Psalm 31:14: "I trust in you, Lord."
From Psalm 23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd."
Next, divide the phrase into two parts. The first part is recited as you inhale, the second part as you exhale. For instance, with Psalm 46:10, you could inhale on "Be still," and exhale on "and know that I am God."
Conclusion
Breath prayers from the Psalms invite us to carry the wisdom and spiritual nourishment of these sacred texts into our daily lives. By weaving the words of the Psalms into the very rhythm of our breath, we create a continuous, living connection with the Divine. By incorporating breath prayers into your daily routine, you'll discover a profound tool for centering yourself, connecting with the divine, and cultivating courage in the face of life's challenges.
May your breath be a bridge to divine connection, and the Psalms a source of inspiration and solace.