Our WMF Staff Gathering begins in just one week in Nebraska. Whoo hooo! I am packing up and getting ready to head to the U.S. tomorrow night. Looking forward to some sweet times with WMF friends serving around the world. Following the Gathering, I will head to Toronto to visit my sister, bro-in-law, nieces, and nephew. Then a final few weeks in California enjoying time with family and friends.
In addition to organizing a prayer room space at our WMF Gathering, I will be facilitating a few directed times of meditative prayer, like Lectio Divina and Examen. It was also suggested that I introduce Breath Prayer. A month ago I was unfamiliar with the prayer practice of Breath Prayer. So, I decided to learn more and put it into practice in my own life these recent weeks. I’m glad I did!
I highly recommend the book Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun as a helpful starting place to learn more about specific spiritual practices and exercises. It is an excellent resource. It’s usually where I go first. The Handbook introduces Breath Prayer in this way….
"Breath prayer is a form of contemplative prayer linked to the rhythms of breathing: (1) breathe in, calling on a biblical name or image of God, and (2) breathe out a simple God-given desire.” ~Adele Ahlberg Calhoun
To practice breath prayer, ponder the nearness of God. Settle deeply into the truth that Christ is in you. Deeply breathe in, repeating any name of God that is dear to you. As you exhale, voice a deep desire of your heart. When you exhale offer up the desire of your heart. You may also breathe in and out a beloved phrase of scripture. The brevity of the prayer allows it to be repeated over and over again throughout the day.
Just a few examples of Breath Prayers:
• breathe in “Abba,” breathe out “I belong to you.”
• breathe in “Holy One,” breathe out “keep me true.”
• breathe in Lord,” breathe out “here is am.”
• breathe in “Jesus,” breathe out “have mercy on me.”
I recently discovered the blog, Soul Shepherding. Here is a helpful link to more background and suggestions to practice Breath Prayer.
During these busy weeks, I have found Breath Prayer very helpful in quieting my often distracted and anxious mind and spirit, as well as praying my heart’s desires as I go throughout the day. I trust it will continue to serve as a helpful prayer practice during my full days in the U.S. I am, especially, interested in praying the Psalms and scriptures in this way.
